Over the weekend, a multi-county pursuit in Virginia came to a pretty unusual end after officials say that a wanted man attempted to hide from officers by lying in a creek after a high-speed chase.
The suspect was identified as Anthony Chase Buchanan, who was driving a white Ford F-150. He was accompanied by a passenger, 41-year-old Kelly Nicole Reid of Buena Vista.
According to a report posted by the August County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened after they attempted to serve multiple felony warrants to Buchanan.
Things escalated quickly, which resulted in a police chase that ultimately led to officers using a tire deflation device successfully, prompting the man to flee and jump into a nearby creek.
Two Suspects Apprehended in Virginia
The report above explains that deputies were in the 700 block of Spottswood Road already attempting to search for Buchanan. It was not long before they spotted a vehicle that had Buchanan behind the wheel.
Things escalated when the officer tried approaching the vehicle. Buchanan sped away from the area at a high rate of speed, refusing to stop for law enforcement.
As the pursuit continued, the driver eventually crossed county lines into Rockbridge County. At that point, members of the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office joined the chase.
When Buchanan returned to Augusta County, officers were able to deploy a tire deflation device that forced him to get out and continue on foot. Eventually, he was found in a nearby creek in an attempt to conceal himself.
Both Suspects Are Charged With Several Offenses
Because the chase spanned across two different counties, Buchanan was charged with offenses in both. In total, he was charged with:
- Two Counts of Possession of Controlled Substances
- Three Counts of Possess/Transport Firearms by Convicted Felon
- Possess Firearm While in Possession of Drugs
- Three Counts of Probation Violation
- Failure to Appear
- Grand Larceny Auto (Felony)
- Obstructing Justice
- Felony Eluding/Proceed After Receiving Signal to Stop
In opposition, Kelly Nicole Reid was charged with Possession of Controlled Substances (Felony). If convicted, Buchanan faces up to 66 years in prison and more than $10,000 in total fines.
Reaction to Wild Virginia Police Chase
Commenters in the replies below the Facebook post revealing the charges were grateful for the officers’ involvement. One person wrote, “Hats off to the Sheriff’s Office and Rockbridge for yanking these clowns off the street.”
Other comments criticized the suspects and their decision to lead the police on such a long chase. Another comment read, “This was the chic that was on FB Live while being in a high speed chase…it was ridiculous she totally crashed out on Live screaming and yelling …hope they both get off the drugs….# powercouple.”
The post itself also thanks the officers involved, saying, “The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police for their assistance during this investigation.”
It was reported that no one was injured during the incident, and it is currently still under active investigation.