Driver Injured In Crash While Fleeing Virginia State Police On I-495 Inner Loop

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — A suspect was hospitalized after leading a state trooper on a high-speed pursuit on the shoulder of I-495 in Fairfax County during morning rush hour on Wednesday, according to Virginia State Police.

Around 8:54 a.m. a trooper initiated a traffic stop on the Inner Loop near Braddock Road, after seeing the driver violating the “hands-free” cellphone law, according to the incident report. Running the vehicle’s plates, the trooper saw that the driver had outstanding warrants out of Fairfax and Prince William counties.

When the driver refused to stop, the trooper began a pursuit, but the driver sped off along the right shoulder at a high rate of speed, according to the incident report. The trooper stopped their pursuit over safety concerns.

Once the fleeing vehicle reached the Braddock Road exit ramp, it struck several vehicles and overturned, according to the state police. Climbing out of their vehicle, the driver ran off. After a short search, police located the suspect and took them into custody.

The suspect’s vehicle struck four other vehicles during the crash, with some occupants receiving minor injuries, VSP says.

The suspect was also injured in the crash and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Charges are pending, according to police.