VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A pursuit ended in a deadly crash in Virginia Beach after a driver believed to be driving a stolen vehicle led police on a chase from the Eastern Shore to Virginia Beach, Virginia State Police (VSP) said on Saturday.
On Friday, state troopers tried to stop a Chevrolet pickup truck driving recklessly shortly before 8:30 p.m. The vehicle was spotted driving 92 mph in a 55mph zone, VSP said. Police said a pursuit ensued when the driver, who has not been publicly identified, refused to stop.
Northampton County Sheriff’s Department joined the pursuit. During the chase, VSP said officials learned the vehicle had been reported stolen in New York.
VSP said troopers ended their pursuit as the vehicle approached the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel while Northampton County deputies continued across the bridge, entering Virginia Beach city limits.
Local troopers joined the pursuit after seeing the vehicle fleeing law enforcement, VSP said. From Northampton Boulevard, the stolen vehicle turned onto Shore Drive where authorities say the driver lost control of the vehicle, running off the roadway and striking a tree near the corner of Shore Drive and Atlantic Avenue.
Troopers approached the vehicle to provide aid, saying the driver was the only occupant and suffering from serious life-threatening injuries. He later succumbed to those injuries.
The Medical Examiner’s Office is working to confirm the identity of the driver.
This investigation is ongoing.