Correction: Police clarified that the female suspect gave a false identity to officers. State Police are investigating the true identity of the suspect and charges will be placed once confirmed.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — A police chase that started at the James River Bridge spanned more than 20 miles and stretched all the way into Portsmouth on Wednesday. Police said the driver was high on drugs at the time.
Warrants have been issued in the case for felony eluding, felony possession of a firearm, felony DUI, felony driving while revoked and felony possession of credit cards and IDs, according to Virginia State Police.
The chase started around 1:11 p.m. in the southbound lanes at the JRB, according to State Police Sgt. Michelle Anaya.
Part of that chase happened on Hartford Street through Portsmouth.
Caitlin Richards’ security camera caught it — showing a silver Chevy pickup speeding by, with police close behind. Richards had just gotten into her car to head to the store when it happened.
“The police chase happened, and my son was in the backseat saying ‘Wow!’” Richards said.
Anaya said the driver of the Chevy refused to stop on Route 17 near the Suffolk city line, and the chase went through Chesapeake and into Portsmouth.
The suspects eventually abandoned the SUV on Detroit Street in the Port Norfolk section and fled on foot, but were eventually detained. 10 On Your Side is not sure how fast the chase was, but Richards said it shook her car, which was mere feet away from the speeding vehicle.
“You could hear the wind blowing from it,” Richards said.
The woman driver was believed to be under the influence of narcotics and taken to Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. Her passenger, 47-year-old Mark Anthony Hodges II, was detained and later arrested for outstanding warrants, Anaya said.
Multiple charges are pending in the case, Anaya said, including charges related to guns and narcotics paraphernalia found in the SUV.