A man wanted on multiple charges in Hampton and Newport News was arrested on May 20 after a joint operation by several law enforcement agencies. The James City County Police Department (JCCPD) received a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) alert from the Hampton Police Division (HPD) when a vehicle reported stolen in Hampton was detected by a Flock Safety camera in James City County.
Around 10 p.m., a JCCPD patrol officer found the vehicle parked at Tilghman Court in the Woods of Williamsburg apartment complex and confirmed it with HPD. Officers then noticed a man nearby who matched the description of the suspect. When approached, he refused to identify himself and fled into a wooded area near Longhill Road and Lafayette Boulevard.
The officers, aware that the suspect might be armed, began a foot pursuit and called for support from their Drone Team, K-9 Officer Maverick and Handler Officer Crockett, as well as an apprehension-trained K-9 from the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office (YPSO). K-9 Officer Maverick started tracking, which was then taken over by YPSO’s K-9 Grit and Handler Sgt. Schultz. Within minutes, K-9 Grit located the suspect, leading to another brief chase across Longhill Road before he surrendered without further incident. This was K-9 Grit’s first deployment.
The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Travis Inman, wanted on various charges out of Hampton and Newport News. He was transported to Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail facing several charges including assault and battery against a family member, grand larceny, reckless driving, driving without an operator’s license, contempt of court in Hampton; and destruction of property less than $1,000 in Newport News.
This arrest occurs amid rising vehicle thefts across Hampton Roads. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to recover stolen vehicles and arrest offenders. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Norfolk ranks second nationally for recovered stolen vehicles intended for international resale.
Citizens are advised to lock their vehicles, park in well-lit areas or garages when possible, avoid leaving vehicles running unattended or keys inside them. Many thefts result from identity theft; citizens should report such crimes promptly.
The Department praised its Uniform Patrol Division, Drone Team, K-9 Unit along with YPSO’s K-9 Grit and Handler Sgt. Schultz for their coordination in apprehending this fugitive.
