APD Pursuit on 4-20-16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Wednesday, April 20^th, 2016, at approximately 2:15PM, Abingdon Police Officer Y.D. Wilmoth observed a burgundy Ford F-250 speeding in the construction zone on Jonesboro Road. As Officer Wilmoth tried to initiate a traffic stop on the speeding vehicle, the vehicle fled from the Exit 14 area, northbound on I-81. The vehicle then left the interstate at Exit 19 and proceeded west into the town on Main Street. The offender continued through the town limits at a high rate of speed, making a right turn on Old Eleven Drive, and then a right on Hillman Highway heading north. Throughout the pursuit, Officer Wilmoth continually updated the shift Sergeant of speed and traffic conditions. The Sergeant advised the officer to terminate the pursuit due to time of day, traffic conditions, and speed.

Investigator J.M. Austin located the offender, Joshua Ryan Johnson, 32, of 14202 Middle Pointe Court, Bristol, Virginia and took him into custody at his residence at approximately 3:30 PM. He was charged with: Felony Eluding by Speed, in violation of § 46.2-817 of the Code of Virginia; Driving on Suspended License, in violation of § 46.2-301 of the Code of Virginia; Reckless Driving, in violation of § 46.2-862 of the Code of Virginia; Defective Equipment, in violation of § 46.2-1003 of the Code of Virginia; and Speeding, in violation of § 46.2-870 of the Code of Virginia. 

Johnson was transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail, where he is being held at this time.

Pictured: Joshua Ryan Johnson, 32, of 14202 Middle Pointe Court, Bristol, Virginia

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