SMITHFIELD, Va. (AP) - The driver of an SUV involved in a pursuit with a deputy in Virginia has died.
Virginia State Police Sgt. Michelle Anaya tells local news outlets that an Isle of Wight County deputy tried to pull a Ford Explorer over shortly before 8 p.m. Monday in Smithfield. The driver stopped, but sped off as the deputy approached the vehicle. A chase ensued.
Police say the suspect vehicle was speeding when it entered the westbound lanes of Route 10, crossed into the eastbound lanes and hit a tractor-trailer head on. The impact caused the SUV to catch on fire.
Police say the driver, 27-year-old William McChell Chapman, died at the scene.
The driver of the tractor-trailer wasn’t injured.
Virginia State Police are continuing to investigate the crash.
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