BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A high-speed police pursuit through multiple Beckley streets ended in a crash Wednesday after officers say a U-Haul van fled from a traffic stop, leaving three occupants injured.
According to authorities, on February 18, 2026, an officer patrolling the South Kanawha Street area observed a U-Haul van with Arizona registration make an extremely wide turn onto Johnstown Road, crossing the double yellow line and entering the opposing turn lane.
Police initiated emergency lights and sirens as the van pulled into a nearby smoke shop parking lot. However, instead of stopping, the vehicle circled the building and sped back onto Johnstown Road, prompting a pursuit.
Officials say the van continued at high speeds through a series of streets, including:
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Hargrove Street
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Nebraska Avenue
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Dyer Avenue
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10th Street
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Scott Avenue
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Broadway
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Sheridan Avenue
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East Prince Street
During the chase, officers reported the vehicle nearly lost control on Sheridan Avenue but continued driving. Additional units joined the pursuit as the van returned to Johnstown Road and traveled toward Beaver Avenue.
The situation escalated when the van made a hard left onto South Fayette Street, allegedly passing a vehicle in oncoming traffic near Family Dollar.
Authorities say the pursuit came to an end when the driver attempted to navigate a curve near Morris Avenue, lost control, and struck a stump — disabling the vehicle.
Officers approached and found the driver incapacitated, a front passenger partially hanging out of the window, and another occupant slumped in the rear of the van.
All three were removed from the vehicle and treated at the scene before being transported for medical care:
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Devin Taylor (driver) suffered lacerations to his forehead and ear and was taken to Raleigh General Hospital for medical clearance.
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A front passenger sustained an eye injury and was transported to BARH.
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A rear passenger suffered head lacerations and a broken nose and was also transported to BARH.
After being medically cleared, Taylor was taken into custody and transported to the Beckley Police Department for processing.
He is charged with:
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Fleeing with reckless indifference
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Two counts of fleeing causing bodily injury
Taylor was later transported to Southern Regional Jail.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
