Couple get four years for high-speed chase

By KEITH EPPS

A couple who led police on a wild high-speed chase after one of them was placed in handcuffs were both ordered Thursday to serve four years in prison.

Traveyan Lee Chambliss, 27, and Carolyn Marie Henderson, 29, were both sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison with six years suspended. Both had previously pleaded guilty in Spotsylvania Circuit Court to  assault on a law-enforcement officer and escape by force. Their sentences exceeded the recommended state sentencing guidelines.

According to the evidence presented by prosecutors Crystal Montague-Holland and Stephanie Fitzgerald, Chambliss was at the probation office on Southpoint Center Boulevard Aug. 11 when the commotion erupted. Chambliss was not aware that he was going to be arrested on a probation violation until deputies Tim Buta and James Konicki showed up.

Chambliss was handcuffed and being escorted to a police cruiser when he broke away from Konicki and ran across the parking lot. Henderson, who was waiting in a Chevrolet Impala, opened the door as Chambliss approached. Chambliss got into the driver’s seat and pushed the gas pedal as Henderson handled the steering wheel.

Buta broke the driver’s window with his baton but was knocked to the ground by the fleeing vehicle. Konicki, who had already been on the ground, had to jump out of the way as the suspects fled.

The car reached more than 120 mph as it sped into Caroline County and was still going more than 80 mph on three flat tires as it approached Bowling Green. Police had tracked the car through OnStar and used spike strips to flatten the tires.

Henderson’s sentencing Thursday took place right after Chambliss had his hearing. Her attorney, Tim Barbrow, argued for a lesser sentence but Judge David Beck said he saw no reason to differentiate between the two. Attorney John Spencer represented Chambliss.

Chambliss and Henderson have also been convicted of charges in Caroline and will be sentenced on Tuesday.