Town man arrested, facing charges of attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer

Warren County, VA – A Front Royal man was arrested Friday afternoon following an incident in which officials say he allegedly attempted to hit a Warren County deputy while fleeing police.  Michael Lewis, 40, of 144 Chester Street, is facing a number of charges.

A media release from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office states that on Friday, Feb. 23, at about 2:30 p.m. deputies responded to the 2000 Block of John Marshall Highway for a vehicle accident.

The caller advised that a male suspect was running around in a suspicious manner and appeared to be under the influence of narcotics.

Upon arriving on scene, as the deputies approached the vehicles, the suspect attempted to flee in his vehicle. The deputies verbally ordered Lewis to stop, but he disobeyed their command. As the male pulled away, the release states that “he accelerated and swerved in an attempt to hit one of the deputies.”

The vehicle then continued west on John Marshall Highway with deputies in pursuit.  The Front Royal Police Department assisted with the deployment of spike strips as the vehicle entered Front Royal town limits. Lewis’ vehicle was stopped just east of Richmond Road on John Marshall Hwy.

The suspect resisted arrest, but was taken into custody without injury. He appeared to be under the influence of narcotics, according the written statement, and was transported to Warren Memorial Hospital for medical attention.

Pending charges include:  Attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer, felony eluding, reckless driving, resisting arrest and driving under the influence of drugs.

The suspect remained hospitalized late Friday evening.