A high-speed chase on the Capital Beltway (I-495) this morning started with a driver getting pulled over for using their cell phone, police say.
After allegedly seeing a violation of Virginia’s “hands-free” law banning the use of cell phones while driving, a trooper attempted a traffic stop on northbound I-495 near Braddock Road in the North Springfield area around 8:54 a.m. today (Wednesday), according to the Virginia State Police (VSP).
The trooper also found outstanding warrants from Fairfax and Prince William counties after running the vehicle’s license plates. The VSP didn’t specify the charges.
“The vehicle refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated,” state police said in a press release. “The suspect vehicle continued at a high rate of speed along the right shoulder of the interstate. The trooper then stopped the pursuit because of safety concerns.”
However, the driver proceeded to crash into “multiple vehicles” before overturning at the access ramp to Braddock Road, according to the VSP. The driver got out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but police were able to set up a perimeter and take them into custody.
The driver was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries they suffered in the crash, police say. Occupants of four vehicles damaged in the crash also experienced injuries described as “minor.”
The VSP says charges against the driver are pending, but no additional information is available, as of press time.
Screenshot via Google Maps
