A 37-year-old Harrisonburg man driving a stolen van has been arrested following a pursuit Sunday in Augusta County.
Jamie C. Whitesel, 37, has been charged with felony eluding, felony assault on a law enforcement officer, driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving while suspended, driving while revoked, illegal use of a crossover and an unsafe lane change.
At 4:47 p.m., a Virginia State Police trooper was alerted to the stolen van travelling on Route 11 northbound in Verona and attempted a traffic stop.
The van continued, and a pursuit was initiated near the intersection of Route 612 and Route 11.
Whitesel entered Interstate 81 southbound, where Augusta County Sheriff’s Office deputies deployed spike strips, successfully deflating a rear tire at the 225-mile marker.
The suspect continued to drive and then used the crossover at the 223-mile marker, nearly striking one northbound tractor trailer before getting involved in a collision with a second tractor trailer.
The collision deflated a front tire of the stolen van, finally stopping the vehicle and bringing the pursuit to an end.
The driver then attempted to flee on foot, before he was taken into custody.
Whitesel is a career offender having faced nearly 50 other charges in Staunton, Augusta County, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
The incident remains under investigation.
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Crystal Graham
