A 54-year-old Annandale, Virginia resident was arrested early Monday morning on Interstate 40 in Cumberland County following a high-speed traffic stop and brief pursuit.

According to Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office incident reports, Deputy Zachary Early was traveling eastbound on I-40 on November 10, 2026, when he observed a white 2017 Land Rover SUV traveling at approximately 105 mph in a posted 70 mph zone near mile marker 319.

The deputy turned around to catch up with the vehicle, eventually initiating a traffic stop near mile marker 303 after the driver had slowed to about 80 mph. During the pursuit, the driver continued past multiple locations with wide shoulders where a safe stop could have been made, repeatedly slowing down before accelerating again.

The vehicle finally came to a stop at approximately 2:47 AM. The driver, identified as Hector Lopez Rico, and a passenger eventually exited the vehicle and were detained. When questioned about failing to stop using a translation app, Rico reportedly apologized.

Rico was taken into custody and transported to the Cumberland County Jail, charged with evading arrest and speeding. His bond was set at $20,000, with a General Sessions court appearance scheduled for December 14, 2026, at 8:30 AM. The passenger was left at the scene and took possession of the vehicle.