Trooper Injured During High-Speed Chase On I-95: VA State Police

STAFFORD, VA — A Virginia State trooper suffered minor injuries during a high-speed chase early Wednesday morning on I-95 in Stafford and Prince William counties.

At around 12:24 a.m., troopers tried to stop a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander that was driving erratically in the northbound lanes of I-95 in Stafford County, according to VSP.

Troopers initiated a pursuit when the driver refused to stop, according to reports. Other units joined the chase. As the SUV entered Prince William County, it struck a state police vehicle, causing minor damage, reports say.

The trooper was not injured.

Entering a truck rest area, the driver of the Outlander made a U-turn and headed south on the right shoulder of the northbound lanes, according to state police. Then the suspect made another U-turn and drove north on northbound I-95 once again.

At the exit for Dale Boulevard (exit 156), the driver of the Outlander swerved to leave the interstate, reports say. While attempting to stop the vehicle from leaving the interstate, a trooper struck an attenuator, a device that absorbs the energy of a crash. The trooper suffered minor injuries and their cruiser was disabled.

Eventually, troopers stopped the Outlander just off Dale Boulevard and arrested the driver, Austin L. Leonard, 43, of Fort Worth, Texas. Leonard was charged with driving under the Influence, eluding, and reckless driving, according to reports.

Emergency medical personnel evaluated the injured trooper at the scene.