RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A late-night attempted traffic stop on June 29 turned into a high-speed pursuit through the Harper Heights area and resulted in the recovery of drugs and a firearm, according to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 10:10 p.m., Sgt. W. Ramey attempted to pull over a gray Chevrolet passenger car on Harper Road that was operating without headlights or taillights.
When emergency lights and sirens were activated, the vehicle refused to stop and instead accelerated, leading police on a pursuit.
The driver ran a red light at Harper Road and Pikeview Drive, reaching speeds over 70 mph in a 30 mph zone, passing vehicles in the center turn lane and endangering other motorists and pedestrians.
The chase continued onto Hickory Drive and into Greenbrier Estates, where a bag was thrown from the passenger side near the Kroger and Sandstone Drive area.
Shortly after, a Black male passenger fled on foot from the rear of the vehicle.
The vehicle came to a stop, and the driver, identified as Hallie Graham, was taken into custody without incident.
Beckley Police Department responded and assisted at the scene.
A search by Cpl. M. Talley and K-9 partner Ajax led to the recovery of a Steve Madden purse containing a Raven Arms .25 caliber handgun, a bag of suspected cocaine, and a cell phone believed to belong to the fleeing passenger.
Ajax also alerted to narcotics inside the vehicle, where suspected marijuana was found.
Cpl. R. Talley III and his K-9 partner Blue tracked the fleeing suspect into the woods behind Raleigh General Hospital, ending near Willbrian Apartments. The suspect was not located.
Hallie Graham faces multiple charges including:
- Fleeing with reckless indifference
- No operator’s license
- No insurance
The investigation remains active.
Sheriff Frank Priddy and Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton expressed appreciation to all deputies and assisting Beckley officers for their quick response and dedication to public safety.
She is currently at Southern Regional Jail.
