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Chesapeake, VA (June 30, 2026) – Two people were hurt after a pursuit ended in a wreck on the Gilmerton Bridge on Sunday night, June 28. Police located a possible stolen vehicle traveling on South Military Highway at 9:20 p.m.
The vehicle fled once police activated emergency equipment and entered oncoming traffic on the bridge while attempting to evade them. Police ended the pursuit in the interest of public safety, and the fleeing vehicle later collided with another vehicle.
The young driver attempted to flee on foot but was quickly taken into custody. Both the young driver and the driver of the other vehicle were taken to a hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening.
The accident remains under active review by the police. We hope both people hurt make a full recovery.
What Happens When a Police Pursuit Is Terminated for Safety Reasons?
Police departments have specific guidelines for when a pursuit should be ended, particularly when continuing it poses a greater risk to public safety than allowing the fleeing vehicle to continue. Factors like traffic volume, road conditions, and the likelihood of a crash all play a part in that decision. Even after a pursuit ends, officers may continue tracking the vehicle’s last known direction.
A fleeing vehicle entering oncoming traffic creates serious danger for other drivers who have no warning of the hazard ahead. Bridges and narrow roadways can be especially risky in these situations, since there is limited space to avoid an oncoming vehicle traveling in the wrong direction.
Investigations following a pursuit-related crash typically examine the decisions made by both the fleeing driver and the officers involved. Departments review timing, distance, and whether department policy was followed throughout the pursuit and its termination.
