NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. — A 19-year-old Henrico County man is facing charges after leading law enforcement on a dangerous high-speed chase that reached speeds of over 140 mph on Sunday evening, April 20.
According to the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when a deputy, stationed along Interstate 64 near the West Point exit, was monitoring the speed of passing vehicles. The deputy’s radar clocked a vehicle traveling at an astonishing 137 mph in a 70 mph zone, prompting an immediate attempt to catch up with the driver.
As the deputy closed in, the suspect began driving erratically, prompting a decision to leave I-64 at the Providence Forge exit and head north on North Courthouse Road. The deputy activated emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver continued to flee, speeding away at excessive speeds. The deputy lost sight of the car as it turned west onto New Kent Highway.
A second deputy in the area soon located the suspect’s vehicle and initiated a pursuit on Route 106. The driver, identified as James William Carroll, refused to stop and continued fleeing at speeds exceeding 140 mph. The pursuit crossed into Henrico County, where deputies once again lost sight of the vehicle. The chase was ultimately called off as it became too dangerous to continue.
However, moments later, law enforcement discovered the suspect’s vehicle at a residence in the Lakeside area of Henrico County. Deputies from the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to the home and made contact with Carroll, a resident of Henrico County.
Through the investigation and statements made by Carroll, authorities were able to confirm his involvement and arrest him. He is now facing charges related to eluding law enforcement, as well as other potential offenses stemming from the pursuit.
This high-speed chase highlights the dangers of reckless driving, especially at such extreme speeds. No injuries were reported during the incident, but the pursuit put both the public and law enforcement at significant risk. Carroll’s arrest marks the latest in a series of incidents involving dangerous driving behavior on local roadways.
