Patrick County, VA — A high-speed pursuit that ended in a dramatic crash on April 30, 2025, resulted in the arrest of Mark Lucas Tatum, 47, of Patrick Springs, after he fled from deputies during a narcotics interdiction operation.
The operation, spearheaded by the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office with support from the Martinsville Police Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Office, aimed to target drug activity across the region. The incident began when deputies attempted to stop a silver BMW near the intersection of Jeb Stuart Highway and Woodland Drive for multiple traffic violations.
Initially, Tatum slowed his vehicle as if to comply, but suddenly accelerated and fled at high speed. The chase spanned several rural roads, including Poplar Drive, New Hope Church Road, and High Point Church Road, with Tatum allegedly driving recklessly to evade capture.
Deputies successfully brought the pursuit to a halt using a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing Tatum’s vehicle to crash. He was apprehended at the scene without further incident.
During the chase, Tatum allegedly discarded a handgun and narcotics from his vehicle, according to law enforcement. Tatum is currently being held without bond at the Patrick County Jail and faces charges of felony eluding a law enforcement officer.
Additional charges are pending, as investigators await results from the state forensic lab.
No injuries were reported during the pursuit. While Tatum’s BMW sustained significant damage, the patrol vehicle involved only incurred minor damage.
