Uber Passenger Describes Terrifying I-95 Chase in Richmond

Chelsey Trammel was caught in the middle of a wild police pursuit that caused multiple crashes on Valentine's Day.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Chelsey Trammel was riding in an Uber on Interstate 95 in Richmond, Virginia when a Florida driver, Garrett Ryan Sulli, led police on a chase that caused 13 separate incidents, including ramming Trammel's Uber vehicle. Trammel described the experience as feeling "like a movie" as the car spun out of control on the bridge. Despite the trauma, Trammel says the incident has made her more determined to get her own driver's license.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that can arise from high-speed police chases in populated areas, putting innocent bystanders at risk. It also raises questions about mental health, drug use, and public safety on the roads.

The details

According to Trammel, the 34-year-old Florida driver, Garrett Ryan Sulli, led Virginia State Police on a chase that began in Petersburg around 6:30 a.m. on Valentine's Day. Near the Arthur Ashe Boulevard exit in Richmond, troopers witnessed Sulli ram a vehicle off the interstate, causing Trammel's Uber to spin out of control on a bridge section of I-95 north. Trammel said the impact sent the Uber spinning in circles, sliding against concrete barriers before the driver was able to pull to safety. Police said Sulli caused 13 incidents, including Trammel's, during the chase before being arrested around 11:50 a.m. in Spotsylvania County for driving under the influence of drugs.

  • The chase began around 6:30 a.m. on Valentine's Day (February 14, 2026).
  • Near the Arthur Ashe Boulevard exit in Richmond, the incident involving Trammel's Uber occurred.
  • Sulli was arrested around 11:50 a.m. in Spotsylvania County.

The players

Chelsey Trammel

A 34-year-old Uber passenger who was caught in the middle of the high-speed chase.

Garrett Ryan Sulli

A 34-year-old Florida driver who led police on the chase, causing multiple incidents including ramming Trammel's Uber vehicle.

Virginia State Police

The law enforcement agency that pursued Sulli and arrested him for driving under the influence of drugs.

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What they’re saying

“It felt like a movie to me, it really felt like a movie because the car's just going in a complete circle and all I could really do was just scream.”

— Chelsey Trammel, Uber passenger (wtvr.com)

“It's kind of funny because I'm one of those people that don't wear my seatbelt doing an Uber. But for some reason, this day I was like, 'Let me put my seatbelt on.' That's why this whole situation is really eye-opening.”

— Chelsey Trammel, Uber passenger (wtvr.com)

“He's trying to stay calm for the both of us. Like he's trying to make sure that we're safe because he is my Uber driver.”

— Chelsey Trammel, Uber passenger (wtvr.com)

What’s next

Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incidents, has additional information, or is a victim to contact the Virginia State Police Division 1 Dispatch at 804-750-8758, #77 on a cellphone, or email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from high-speed police chases, particularly in populated areas. It highlights the need for improved policies and procedures to minimize the risks to innocent bystanders, as well as the importance of addressing underlying issues such as mental health and substance abuse that may contribute to such reckless behavior on the roads.