State Police apprehend man after vehicle, foot chase

A Charlottesville man faces multiple charges following a vehicle and foot pursuit through Augusta and Nelson counties Tuesday morning (May 1, 2012).

Trevis H. Johnson, 28, of Charlottesville, has been charged with one count each of speeding, reckless driving, drug possession, and one felony count for eluding police.

At 6:46 a.m., Senior Trooper D.C. Brydge attempted to stop a 2004 Ford Explorer for speeding on Route 664 in Augusta County just east of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Explorer refused to stop as it was headed southbound on Route 664 and instead sped up. A pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued on Route 664, with the suspect vehicle illegally passing other vehicles, and then onto Route 814 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just inside Nelson County on the Parkway at approximately 6:52 a.m., Johnson lost control of the Explorer. The Explorer ran off the right side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned onto the driver’s side. Johnson crawled out the passenger side and fled the scene on foot into the woods.

Moments after crashing, the Explorer caught fire. Trooper Brydge put out the fire and checked the vehicle to make sure no one was trapped inside.

Augusta County Sheriff’s Office canine team was able to track Johnson through the mountainous area and, at approximately 10:45 a.m., was able to apprehend him near the intersection of Routes 56 and 687 in Nelson County. As he fled on foot, Johnson had shed his clothing and had to be treated for minor cuts and scrapes by the rescue squad. Johnson was then transported to the Augusta County Jail.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Park Police and Wintergreen Fire and Rescue all assisted with the search for Johnson.