PCP-Crazed Man Attacks Officers After Crash In Stafford: SCSO

STAFFORD, VA — A Spotsylvania man apparently high on PCP was arrested Wednesday night, July 24, after crashing his vehicle and assaulting several officers in the area of 15 South Gateway Drive, according to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office. Thomas Lawrence Jr., 45, was charged with seven counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, possession of controlled substances, possession of controlled paraphernalia, driving revoked, driving under the influence and several traffic offenses.

Shortly before 6:30 p.m., police responded to a reported single-vehicle crash, and a 911 caller said the driver appeared to be drifting in and out of consciousness. Upon arrival, the driver was lying on the ground beside the vehicle — which had three passengers — while acting strangely and making incoherent statements. He then began running around a deputy's cruiser, and more units were summoned.

Lawrence repeatedly ignored officers' commands and began attacking them before eventually being detained. He was found to have a baggie containing an off-white powdery substance, and also had drug paraphernalia. Police detected a strong chemical odor coming from the vehicle.

Lawrence and the three passengers later admitted to using PCP before the crash. The three passengers were charged with public intoxication.