
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 13, 1994                   TAG: 9405130123
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Laurence Hammack
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

SPEEDING SPREE RESULTS IN JAIL TERM

An 18-year-old man who drove through downtown Roanoke at nearly 70mph and hit four cars as he fled from police was sentenced Thursday to 12 months in jail.

Vandora A. Gaither of Roanoke was convicted of speeding, reckless driving, failing to stop for police and four counts of hit-and-run, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Joel Branscom said.

No one was injured, even though Gaither's car veered onto downtown sidewalks at some points. "It's just amazing that he didn't kill someone," Branscom said.

Shortly before noon on March29, police attempted to stop Gaither for speeding in the 1800 block of 10th Street Northwest. He accelerated and led them into downtown at a high speed.

Police pulled back from the chase on entering downtown, fearing that someone would be injured if they continued to pursue the car.

But they were able to trace Gaither's route easily by following "a path of destruction" he left behind, Branscom said.

His car struck four vehicles in the area of Franklin Road and Jefferson Street.

Gaither abandoned his car and fled on foot. He was arrested several weeks later.

At a hearing in Roanoke General District Court, Gaither pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges. He was convicted and sentenced by Judge Julian Raney, who also suspended Gaither's driver's license for 21/2 years.

by CNB