The man police say barged into Cape Charles on Tuesday, Aug. 29, in a stolen car, struck a tree in the town park, and ducked police before stealing another car and hightailing out of town has been caught by the feds in New Jersey.
Jafeir A. Betrand and faces nine felony charges with more pending, the Cape Charles Police Department posted Friday, Sept. 1. The police did not release his age or town of residence.
“The past several days we have been working nonstop on this case,” the department posted on its Facebook page.
The police said other suspects were “waiting to be apprehended,” in connection with the case. It did not reveal in the Facebook post the names of those under investigation or the potential charges.
Betrand was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Camden, N.J., Cape Charles police said.
Town Mayor Adam Charney lauded the Cape Charles police in a Facebook post Friday.
“I am pleased to share that the suspect is facing numerous charges and will be extradited back to Virginia to face justice,” he wrote.
“While the case remains ongoing, it’s comforting to know our police force is doing its utmost to safeguard our community.”
Betrand allegedly raced through Eastville, prompting a high-speed chase that ventured into Cape Charles.
Cape Charles police pursued the SUV as it entered town and continued west on Mason Avenue — the town’s main commercial thoroughfare.
The vehicle turned right on Peach Street and charged into Central Park at its south end.
A Cape Charles police officer used his vehicle to force the SUV into a tree in the park, ending the pursuit.
The police officer, the driver of the SUV, and the SUV’s three passengers were uninjured.
“This officer’s quick reaction very likely saved lives,” stated a Town of Cape Charles press release.
Immediately following the crash, the driver jumped out of the vehicle and dashed away.
A search of the Cape Charles historic district ensued and lasted until the early morning of Wednesday, Aug. 30.
