A 32-year-old man is facing new charges after an April accident landed him in legal trouble in James City County, police say.
Rydell Pettaway was indicted by a grand jury on Sept. 21 for abduction and driving while intoxicated after an April 5 incident in which police say he ran a car off the road and into a ditch on the 7900 block of Richmond Road.
After the accident Pettaway tried to force himself into a witness’ car, keeping her from passing as he tried to open the doors, said James City County Police Department spokeswoman Stephanie Williams.
When officers responded Pettaway was agitated and aggressive. He resisted being arrested by fighting off officers and firefighters. When an officer tased him, Pettaway ripped his sweatshirt and the taser probes off and began to run, Williams said.
An officer and firefighter chased after Pettaway, who attacked the firefighter, biting his face and body. When the officer tried to handcuff Pettaway, he grabbed the officer’s groin.
Pettaway told officers that he had taken heroin, cocaine, spice and marijuana before the incident, Williams said.
Pettaway and the firefighter were taken to Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center where the firefighter was treated for bite wounds. Pettaway was sedated, Williams said.
On April 9 Pettaway was charged with malicious wounding, assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. He was also charged with attempted car jacking, but that charge was nolle prossed, which means prosecutors agreed not to pursue it unless new evidence arises.
Pettaway’s trial is scheduled for Oct. 24 in Williamsburg-James City County Circuit Court.
