WRIC Richmond News and Weather - Police Chase Latest
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We're uncovering new information on the police pursuit that left an innocent bystander dead. It began around 1:25am Thursday morning near Courthouse Road and the Powhite Parkway. Police say the driver of a stolen red pickup sped off along Courthouse Road and made a left turn onto Providence Road. The chase continued through a residential area for more than 3 miles to Midlothian Turnpike. Police tried twice to stop the truck with spike strips at Hicks and again at Midlothian but neither attempt was successful.
According to investigators, the driver made a right turn onto Midlothian and the pursuit then crossed into the city of Richmond through the intersection of Midlothian and Hull Street. The pickup continued on Hull, crossed over Jeff Davis, and eventually crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Hull and 14th Streets. The driver of that vehicle was killed and the suspect was critically injured.
Police are now reviewing their pursuit procedures.
"We're going to review it to see if anything should have been done differently, should the policy be looked at again, or was it followed appropriately," says Lieutenant Colonel Andy Scruggs.
In the 9 minute duration of the pursuit, the officer involved had to make a number of quick decisions.
"Their job is to catch the bad guy all the time. They don't just want to just let somebody, go but they have to realize common sense must prevail," Scruggs maintains.
He tells 8 News the officer involved in the pursuit never topped speeds over 85 miles per hour. He also says it was an experienced officer who was trying to stop the suspect for driving a stolen car. When the suspect didn't stop, as part of Chesterfield Police protocol, the officer had to get permission from a supervisor to continue the pursuit.
The suspect is still hospitalized and facing multiple charges. Lieutenant Colonel Andy Scruggs tells 8News officers receive continuous safety training on police pursuits but don't have hard rules on when or when not to pursue. Ultimately, the officer has to use their own judgement.
