Richmond, VA — A significant traffic disruption occurred on Interstate 95 in Richmond on the evening of December 24, as a police pursuit related to a carjacking suspect led to the closure of southbound lanes.
The incident was first reported around 5:30 p.m. near the Maury Street exit on I-95 South. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) initially labeled the event as a “Special Activity Incident,” warning drivers of potential delays. By 7 p.m., all southbound lanes had been reopened, following an intense law enforcement operation.
Virginia State Police confirmed they were assisting with traffic control in Henrico County, but local authorities quickly clarified that the Henrico County Police Division was working alongside the Richmond Police Department to apprehend a carjacking suspect. The suspect had been involved in a vehicle pursuit that began in Henrico County after officers attempted to stop a stolen car, which had been reported earlier in the day from Richmond.
According to Richmond Police, the stolen vehicle pursuit led to the incident on I-95 South, causing a significant traffic backup as police worked to resolve the situation. While there were no immediate reports of injuries, the closure of the highway created a bottleneck for commuters in the area.
The closure and heavy police presence disrupted holiday traffic, as many drivers were caught in the delay during peak evening travel hours. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspect’s arrest, but the situation highlighted the ongoing coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies to address carjacking cases and maintain public safety.
Motorists were urged to find alternative routes as the highway reopened, but the incident served as a reminder of the unpredictability of holiday traffic and the challenges faced by local police departments during high-stress situations.
