TYSONS CORNER, Va. - A tractor-trailer crashed in Tysons Corner Tuesday following a 27-mile police chase along Interstate 270 and the Capital Beltway. No one was hurt.

A Maryland State Police spokesperson identified the driver as Vernon Edward Jones, 36, who was wanted for more than a dozen years on a warrant stemming from a probation violation following a conviction on an assault with intent to murder charge in Baltimore.

Maryland State Police say the chase began when Jones stopped at a weigh station on the Montgomery County (web | news) -Frederick County border. Jones is employed by a South Carolina trucking company, police said. Investigators say Jones was identified as being wanted on a warrant, even though he gave officers a false Social Security Number. As officers at the weigh station awaited a picture to confirm he was wanted, Jones took off, MSP said. 

Officers gave chase down Interstate 270 and Maryland State Police picked up the pursuit at Route 121, Clarksburg Road.

"The suspect did attempt to ram several vehicles, including my own," said Maryland State Police Sgt. Julianne Pritchard. "No vehicles were struck. We were able to conduct evasive maneuvers to avoid that occuring. Luckily, no citizens were placed in any danger."

The chase continued down down I-270, where police twice tried to halt the vehicle using Stop Sticks: once on Route 29, Father Hurley Boulevard, and once at Exit 4, Montrose Road.

The first Stop Stick attempt blew out one tire, Maryland State Police said, forcing the semi to travel on the steel wheel and slowing the chase. Maryland State Police and Montgomery County police got ahead of the semi to clear traffic ahead of the semi to minimize danger to the public.

At least thirty police cruisers from multiple jurisdictions were visible on traffic cameras as the chase crossed onto the Capital Beltway and across the American Legion Bridge.

About 30 police cruisers chased the semi across the American Legion Bridge.

The exact route the semi took remains unclear. Virginia State Police said the semi exited at the George Washington Parkway. Other sources said the semi exited the beltway at Route 123, near where the chase ended.

As the vehicle approached the Tysons Corner shopping area, it slowed and appeared to veer off the road, coming to a stop at near the intersection of Westpark Drive and Park Run Drive, about a block from the Tysons Galleria II.

Police surrounded the truck, but investigators say Jones refused to exit the vehicle.

"He was giving up; however, he wouldn't come out," said Sgt. Pritchard.

A Montgomery County officer "Tasered" Jones when he refused to get out, Sgt. Pritchard said. Jones was not hurt.

Virginia State took Jones into custody at the scene after he was removed from the vehicle. He is being held on the probation warrant.

Witnesses at the scene said they couldn't believe their eyes. "Police cars one right after the other all following him," said John Nelson, a witness. "Plus the helicopter... the helicopter was only 100 feet off the ground chasing him, it was flying just above the buildings."

"It is remarkable no one was hurt," added Brittany Sykes, a resident near where the chase ended. "I am suprised because most people walk their dogs or even just go for walks around here."

Maryland State Police say he will face additional charges for attempting to run the troopers off the road.

The truck appears to be owned by Western Express. An official at Western Express declined to comment. 

 

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