SPOTSYLVANIA, VA — A disturbance at Manheim Auto Auction led to the dramatic arrest of a wanted and intoxicated man late Tuesday night. Responding to a call around 11:32 p.m., deputies encountered Dante Mines Jr., a shirtless intruder who had attempted to steal vehicles from the property.
The staff at Manheim Auto Auction reported that Mines trespassed onto the site, ignoring signs restricting access to authorized personnel only. Initially, Mines entered a Toyota owned by the business but then switched to a blue Ford F-150, which he decided to drive. Deputy J.A. Martin arrived on scene as Mines began driving away in the Ford.
Upon seeing Deputy Martin, Mines exited the moving vehicle, which then rolled forward and collided with other unoccupied vehicles. Deputy Martin pursued Mines on foot. The chase continued until Mines was out of sight, prompting Martin to wait for backup at the last known location of the suspect.
Sergeant J.T. Forman and other deputies arrived to assist. They found Mines attempting to conceal himself in a semi-truck and later in thick underbrush by a barbed wire fence. Despite his initial resistance, Mines surrendered, begging to be handcuffed. As he climbed the fence to submit to arrest, his jean shorts snagged on the barbed wire, necessitating assistance from the deputies.
Mines, 22, displayed signs of alcohol consumption and admitted to drinking prior to the incident. He faces multiple charges, including two counts each of attempted grand larceny and obstruction of justice, driving under the influence, hit and run, trespassing, and eluding police. He was also wanted in Caroline County for two capias offenses, including a felony. Mines is currently held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.