A Virginia State Police officer was hospitalized after being struck by a driver last night (Tuesday) on the Capital Beltway (I-495) in the Huntington area.
The trooper, who has not been publicly identified, was struck near Telegraph Road by a passing motorist during a foot pursuit, according to a VSP spokesperson. The trooper was transported to an area hospital shortly thereafter.
The collision occurred moments after the trooper attempted to pull over a different driver heading north on the interstate at the Springfield Mixing Bowl for having an expired temporary registration tag on his black Chrysler 300.
The traffic stop was attempted around 9:09 p.m.
“The vehicle refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated,” the VSP said. “… The pursuit continued onto Interstate 495 eastbound, where the suspect rear-ended a tractor trailer east of Telegraph Road. The suspect driver then exited the vehicle and ran across all of the lanes of the interstate and into the City of Alexandria.”
The Chrysler driver allegedly fled to a nearby Metro station, where he “fare-evaded and boarded a train,” police said. He was later located at the L’Enfant Plaza station in D.C., and was taken into custody after a struggle.
State police have charged the Chrysler driver — identified as 57-year-old Gregory Newton of Springfield — with eluding, hit and run, possession of a controlled substance and driving while suspended.
He was also charged with assaulting a police officer by Metro Transit Police.
It is unclear which court the charges were brought in, as updated court records were not immediately available.
The identity of the driver accused of striking the officer has not been released. According to a VSP spokesperson, that driver did stop for the crash.
“I have not been informed of any charges at this time,” the spokesperson said.
