Chesapeake, VA – Police chase ends in crash at building on Freeman Ave – Local Accident Reports

Chesapeake, Virginia (January 24, 2025) – A police pursuit ended in a crash Friday morning when a Virginia Beach man lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a building. The crash happened around 8:45 a.m. after a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Interstate 464 for speeding.

Virginia State Police identified the driver as 21-year-old Austin Jarrett Edwards, who was driving a red Acura TL. Edwards refused to pull over and exited the interstate at Freeman Avenue. The pursuit ended in a dead end, where Edwards lost control due to icy conditions and went off the road, striking a building.

Edwards suffered minor injuries and was transported to Chesapeake Regional Hospital for evaluation before being taken to the Chesapeake City Jail. Two workers in the building also suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle’s registration was fictitious and was assigned to another vehicle. Edwards faces multiple charges, including reckless driving at an excessive speed, felony eluding, fictitious registration and unlawfully causing bodily harm.

High Speed ​​Pursuits and Crash Risks in Virginia

Police pursuits, while necessary in certain situations, carry significant risks for participants, including drivers, law enforcement, and bystanders. Icy road conditions, as seen in this incident, further compound these risks by reducing the driver’s ability to maintain control.

In Virginia, reckless driving and evading the police are serious offenses that can result in serious penalties, including jail time, fines and a criminal record. To minimize pursuit incidents, state officials are constantly working to improve pursuit policies and educate the public about the importance of law enforcement compliance.

Incidents involving buildings or bystanders such as this highlight the potential for collateral injuries in high-speed pursuits. Fortunately, the injuries sustained in this accident were minor, but these crashes often result in significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship for the victims.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a police pursuit, local accident reports can provide access to medical and legal resources to help you with your recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help you find the support you need.