Fairfax County, VA – A high-speed chase on Interstate 395 early Sunday morning concluded with a crash and an arrest after a driver refused to stop for law enforcement, authorities reported.
The incident, which began just after 2 a.m., involved a Chevrolet Malibu traveling at dangerously high speeds and spanned multiple roads before ending in Fairfax County.
Pursuit Begins on I-395
According to the Virginia State Police (VSP), the pursuit started when a trooper attempted to pull over a Chevrolet Malibu moving at approximately 95 miles per hour near the I-395/I-95 southbound interchange. The driver, later identified as 24-year-old Jaiden Riddick, failed to stop, prompting officers to initiate a high-speed chase.
The vehicle weaved through traffic at excessive speeds, putting other motorists at risk. The pursuit continued along the highways until reaching Route 664, where troopers were forced to terminate the chase for safety reasons.
Crash Ends the Chase
After the pursuit was called off, the Malibu ran off the left side of the road and collided with a guardrail and a tree, bringing the chase to an abrupt end. Despite the collision, the driver fled on foot from the scene.
Fairfax County Police later located Riddick in a nearby neighborhood and took him into custody. He was transported to a hospital for minor injuries sustained during the crash, according to the reports.
Charges Filed
Following his arrest, Riddick was charged with multiple offenses, including:
- Eluding law enforcement
- Reckless driving
- Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license
Officials emphasized that the suspect’s actions during the pursuit created a significant hazard to both law enforcement officers and the public.
Law Enforcement Response
The Virginia State Police and Fairfax County Police coordinated during the incident to ensure the safety of surrounding motorists and neighborhoods. “Pursuits like this are extremely dangerous,” a VSP spokesperson said. “Our officers acted quickly to minimize risks while apprehending the suspect.”
Residents in the affected areas reported hearing sirens and witnessing the chase, expressing relief that no serious injuries occurred. “It was shocking to see a car speeding like that in the middle of the night,” one local said. “I’m glad the police were able to catch him before anyone was hurt.”
Community Impact
Incidents like this highlight the risks of high-speed pursuits and the importance of following traffic laws. Law enforcement encourages drivers to remain calm and compliant when stopped to prevent situations that could endanger lives.
Do you think authorities handled the pursuit safely, or should chases be avoided altogether? Share your opinions in the comments below.
