KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Kanawha County man is facing multiple charges after a high-speed pursuit that began in Marmet and ended near the Kanawha City exit on Interstate 77, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred Sunday, June 14, when deputies attempted to stop a GMC vehicle after reportedly seeing it run a red light near the I-77 exit ramp and Route 94.
Authorities said the driver, identified as Justin Richard Connard, initially pulled over but did not place the vehicle in park, refused commands to lower the windows and then drove away.
According to the sheriff’s office, Connard led deputies on a lengthy pursuit through traffic, allegedly driving recklessly, entering opposing lanes of travel multiple times and striking a sheriff’s office patrol vehicle. Deputies said speeds exceeded 120 mph during the chase on Interstate 77.
The pursuit ended when Connard reportedly lost control of the vehicle near the Kanawha City exit and crashed into a guardrail. Deputies, assisted by the West Virginia State Police, took him into custody without further incident.
Investigators said Connard allegedly threw a bag containing suspected controlled substances from the vehicle over an overpass after the crash. The substances were recovered and have been submitted to the West Virginia State Police Laboratory for testing.
Deputies also reported finding alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle and said Connard displayed signs of impairment.
Connard was charged with fleeing from a law enforcement officer in a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and fleeing from a law enforcement officer in a vehicle while showing a reckless indifference to the safety of others.
An adult male passenger was also in the vehicle during the pursuit. Authorities said no charges are expected against the passenger, who was released from the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed. Police say Connard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
