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Augusta County: State Police trooper receives minor injuries in Interstate 81 pursuit

Crystal Graham
trooper route 250 interstate 81 staunton fishersville sign
Photo: Crystal Graham/AFP

A Virginia State Police trooper received minor injuries in a pursuit last night on Interstate 81 in Augusta County.

The trooper was taken to an area hospital and has been released; the complainant listed on the Virginia court website is listed as Charlie Mills.

The suspect, James McLaughlin, 20, of Rochester, New York, remains in custody.

A bond hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m. in Augusta General District Court.

According to VSP, it was called to assist the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 7:37 p.m.

The trooper attempted to stop a vehicle which had allegedly failed to yield at the 230-mile marker on I-81. The vehicle did not stop, and a pursuit was initiated.

The suspect exited the interstate at exit 222, and then-reentered southbound I-81. The pursuing VSP vehicle crashed on the on-ramp to the interstate.

The suspect vehicle continued southbound for two more miles before crashing around the 220-mile marker.

McLaughlin has been charged with reckless driving and eluding.

The incident remains under investigation.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is a reporter and ad manager for Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]