ARLINGTON, Va. - An auto theft suspect under surveillance by police apparently became spooked and ran a red light, striking another vehicle whose driver was critically injured, Arlington County police said.

The driver of the crashed stolen car, identified as Christopher Bentley, 26, of Triangle, Va., took off running and was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit, police said. Bentley was arrested and charged with grand larceny of an automobile and felony hit and run.

An officer began tailing Bentley along Columbia Pike near Glebe Road, after the suspect was seen driving a stolen Mercury Sable that had been taken during a burglary last week, said Det. Crystal Nosal, an Arlington County police spokesperson. The officer checked the car's tags against the stolen vehicle registry and called for backup.

As a second cruiser approached the suspect, the driver took off and ran a red light, Det. Nosal said, specifying that neither officer had lights or sirens activated at the time and neither had attempted to pull over the stolen car.

The stolen vehicle struck a Ford Explorer at the intersection of Columbia Pike and Walter Reed Drive, police said.

The Explorer was struck hard enough to roll on its side. It stopped with its wheels up against a storefront. 

The victim of the crash, described as a 46-year-old male, was taken to a hospital with critical injuries.

Bentley is being held without bond.

 Email To Friend