DANVILLE, WV – A high-speed chase through Boone County Friday night ended with one man in custody and a vehicle search that turned up drugs, a firearm, and a large amount of cash.
At approximately 10:50 p.m. on May 16, 2025, Senior Trooper M.S. Hall and Trooper R.K. Bowers were conducting routine patrol on U.S. Route 119 near Danville when they clocked a blue Nissan Murano traveling northbound at 89 mph in a 65 mph zone.
When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop near Indian Grave Road, the driver accelerated, reaching speeds of over 100 mph in an effort to evade law enforcement. The pursuit continued as the suspect turned onto Turtle Creek Road and fled into a nearby trailer park, where the vehicle was later found abandoned.
According to a witness, the sole occupant of the vehicle—a Black male wearing red pants—fled on foot into a wooded area. Officers quickly located and arrested the suspect hiding in the woods.
Additional troopers, including K-9 Unit Csabi, arrived on scene to assist. After the canine alerted to the presence of narcotics, officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.
Inside, troopers discovered:
- A digital scale
- Two containers of marijuana totaling over 13 grams
- A black Smith & Wesson firearm
- A large sum of cash
The suspect, Natas Johnson, was taken into custody and transported to the Southwestern Regional Jail. Charges are expected to include felony fleeing, drug possession with intent to distribute, and illegal possession of a firearm.
