Sharif Akbar (Northampton Co. Sheriff’s Office)
Northampton County, Va. – A Centreville man is being held in jail after reportedly stealing a Verizon service van.
Officials say that the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office received a call about the stolen van on November 2 at around 2:30 p.m.
A Verizon service crew reported the van being stolen near Lankford Highway.
Police caught up with the van, driven by 26-year-old Sharif Rashid Akbar, around 30 seconds after the sheriff’s office received the call.
After a low speed pursuit with deputies, Akbar turned east on Rogers Drive. Akbar changed his direction and started to drive west on Rogers Drive.
Deputies tried to block the van with their cars and Akbar drove into one of the parked police cars.
Two deputies were assaulted while placing Akbar under arrest. Deputies also recovered a knife and ammunition from the suspect while they were arresting him.
The deputies’ injuries did not require medical attention.
Akbar is charged with attempted murder, felony motor vehicle theft and two counts of assault and battery of a law enforcement officer.
He is being held at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail and has been denied bond.
