A pursuit between an Augusta County Sheriff’s Office officer and a suspect on Monday culminated in an eight-vehicle disaster in Fishersville, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to a press release, at around 5 p.m., a deputy observed a blue Acura that allegedly refused to give the right-of-way near Ramsey Road and Tinkling Spring Road. According to the sheriff’s office, when the officer attempted to execute a traffic stop, the car allegedly sped away, north on Tinkling Spring Road and then onto Jefferson Highway.
“During the pursuit, the deputy made contact with the suspect vehicle in an attempt to pin it against the curb. However, the suspect continued driving recklessly, disregarding stop lights and weaving in and out of oncoming traffic,” the release said.
According to the sheriff’s office, the pursuit stopped at the intersection of Long Meadow Road and Jefferson Highway, where the Acura rear-struck another automobile, resulting in an eight-vehicle disaster. Multiple persons were sent to Augusta Health in Fishersville for treatment, with one suffering critical injuries.
Justin R. Harvey, 36, of Stuarts Draft, was apprehended on the scene. According to the sheriff’s office, Harvey had current warrants from Waynesboro Circuit Court for malicious wounding, intentionally shooting at a vehicle, using a firearm to commit a felony, and being a violent criminal in possession of a weapon. According to court records, the Waynesboro grand jury indicted Harvey in September.
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police are investigating the event.
“Pursuits are inherently dangerous to our community, the deputies, and the suspect,” Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith said in the release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured, and we will ensure justice is served.”
Harvey was treated for minor injuries at Augusta Health. The Sheriff’s Office stated that additional charges are pending.
Augusta County Fire & Rescue, Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad, and the Waynesboro First Aid Crew all responded to the incident.