CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Albemarle Police have a serial hit-and-run suspect in custody after a suspended earlier day police pursuit, then an ultimate crash later where he was caught. Around 2:30 Saturday afternoon, an Albemarle officer observed a driver run a red light at Seminole Trail and Hilton Heights Road. The officer then observed the vehicle continued to be driven erratically and attempted to stop it at 29 and Woodbrook. The driver disobeyed several more traffic signals and failed to yield, and the officer terminated pursuit out of regard for safety.
A short time later, it was determined that the suspect vehicle matched the description of multiple hit-and-run crashes that had occurred earlier in the day in the City of Charlottesville. The vehicle was also reported to be continuing to drive recklessly with no police officers in pursuit. A second attempt to stop the vehicle was made, and again the suspect fled in an attempt to elude officers.
After entering the City of Charlottesville on the 250 Bypass, the driver struck an uninvolved motorist who sustained no injuries. ACPD officers were then able to stop the vehicle and take the driver into custody.
The suspect is 34-year old Jerome Edward Walker of Charlottesville who’s charged with five counts of disregarding a traffic signal, and one count of felony eluding. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.