VIRGINIA – A high-speed chase in Wythe County involving a stolen Dodge Charger Hellcat ended in a crash and two arrests in Bland County early Monday, Aug. 25, according to the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said a white Dodge Charger Hellcat was spotted traveling north on I-81 near mile marker 77 without headlights.
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When a deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver sped off, leading officers on a 13-mile pursuit that included the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel at dangerously high speeds.
The chase ended in Bland County when the vehicle struck a guardrail. Two men inside ran but were quickly apprehended with help from Virginia State Police troopers.
Authorities identified the driver as Jiaair James Henry of Ohio, who is wanted in Texas on an assault charge. Henry faces numerous charges, including felony eluding police, reckless driving, possession of a stolen vehicle, drug possession, and several traffic violations.
The passenger, Jaylon De’Shawn Gear of Charlotte, N.C., was charged with misdemeanor eluding police, possession of a stolen vehicle, and drug possession.
Police said the Dodge Charger Hellcat had been reported stolen in Charlotte. A bag containing suspected oxycodone pills was also recovered during the investigation.
