STAFFORD, VA — A 60-year-old New York man was arrested after leading deputies on a high-speed chase Friday night with a suitcase stuffed with stolen women’s lingerie, shoes, and clothing worth over $1,000, authorities said.
Deputies with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported theft around 8:38 p.m. at T.J. Maxx in North Stafford, where store security chased a man fleeing with a suitcase full of merchandise. Witnesses provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, which was quickly spotted in the area of Woodstream Circle.
Key Points
- Suspect fled T.J. Maxx with a suitcase of lingerie and led deputies on a chase
- Deputies recovered over $1,000 in stolen goods and suspected drugs
- Suspect, Nelu Caldaras, was wanted in Fairfax and now faces multiple charges
Suspect fled traffic stop before PIT maneuver ends pursuit
Deputy X.D. Bates initiated a traffic stop near Staffordboro Boulevard but suspected the driver might flee. Moments later, the suspect accelerated westbound on Garrisonville Road, reaching speeds over 60 mph and running two red lights.
The pursuit ended when a PIT-certified deputy successfully executed a precision immobilization technique at the Soaring Eagle Drive intersection, stopping the suspect’s vehicle. A high-risk stop was conducted and the driver was taken into custody.
Suspect had warrant, suspected drugs found in vehicle
Authorities identified the driver as Nelu Caldaras of Glen Dale, New York. He was wanted in Fairfax County for a capias offense. Inside the vehicle, deputies found the stolen suitcase filled with women’s apparel and additional suspected controlled substances.
Caldaras now faces charges including grand larceny, larceny with intent to sell, felony eluding, possession of controlled substances, driving without a license, reckless driving, two counts of failure to obey a traffic signal, and failure to maintain a travel lane.
Suspect held without bond after lingerie theft and chase
Caldaras was also served on his outstanding warrant and is being held without bond at Rappahannock Regional Jail, the sheriff’s office confirmed.