Two charged after chase
Published 1:15 pm Tuesday, September 29, 2015
A Suffolk couple have both been charged following a Tuesday morning police chase that went from Suffolk into Chesapeake and back to the man’s home in Suffolk, where police say they discovered the man was wanted by federal agents.
Michael Curtis Hardison Jr., 44, is a federal fugitive and was wanted by the U.S. Marshals, according to a city press release. He and his wife, Amanda Lynn Hardison, 32, have both been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, conspiracy to manufacturing methamphetamine and four counts of manufacturing methamphetamine while a child was present.
Multiple law enforcement and public safety officials surrounded the house on South Broad Street after the police chase ended there. The personnel, including Virginia State Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency, were on scene most of the day removing the hazardous byproducts from the site. The work required that they don hazardous materials suits and self-contained breathing apparatus, according to a city press release.
State Police condemned the house.
Some neighbors were evacuated from their homes, and others had a hard time getting home.
“It’s pretty tough,” said Frank Aliff, who lives about a block from the house. “It’s close to home.”
Another neighbor, who would not give her name, said she saw public safety personnel carrying Hardison on a stretcher.
According to the press release, police began pursuing the vehicle after several calls from the public about a suspected drunk driver in the area of North Main Street and Constance Road about 8:20 a.m.
When an officer came into contact with the vehicle, the driver did not stop and drove into Chesapeake on Route 58, according to the release. The Chesapeake Police Department became involved, and the vehicle eventually traveled back to Suffolk.
Meanwhile, officers had learned the suspect’s address based on the vehicle registration and responded to the 300 block of South Broad Street. The suspect returned to the home and attempted to run into the house but was tased by officers.
He was taken to Sentara Obici Hospital for treatment of injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Hardison was found to be a federal fugitive wanted by the U.S. Marshals, according to the release.
During the incident, officers smelled the odor of ammonia coming from the residence and saw items believed to be suspicious, according to the release. That was when they called in reinforcements.
Police determined four children have been present during the manufacturing of methamphetamine at the residence, according to a city press release. Two were present when police arrived this morning, and two were picked up at their school. All were taken to Sentara Obici Hospital for medical evaluation due to their exposure to the toxic chemicals, the release stated. Child Protective Services responded and assisted with child placement.