A Virginia State Police (VSP) trooper was injured in a Sunday crash on Interstate 495 in Alexandria after attempting to stop a motorist for reckless driving.
The trooper went off the road to avoid striking a third, uninvolved vehicle, striking a tree and rolling over once, according to VSP.
The trooper initiated a pursuit when the driver, who was allegedly driving recklessly in a Honda Accord on I-495 westbound prior to Eisenhower Avenue, refused to stop, VSP said. The trooper attempted to pursue the vehicle when the driver reportedly shifted from the second lane to the Van Dorn Street exit.
“The trooper continued to pursue but terminated the pursuit quickly to avoid striking a third, uninvolved, vehicle,” according to VSP. “When the trooper terminated the pursuit, the State Police vehicle went off the road, struck a tree, and rolled over once.”
The trooper was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, and the crash remains under investigation.
The complete press release is below.
A Virginia State Police trooper suffered minor injuries after a crash that occurred during a pursuit this afternoon (Jan. 4, 2026) on Interstate 495 westbound.
At approximately 3:47 p.m., a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a vehicle for reckless driving on Interstate 495 westbound prior to Eisenhower Avenue. The vehicle, a Honda Accord, refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated.
During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle shifted from the second lane to the Van Dorn Street exit. The trooper continued to pursue but terminated the pursuit quickly to avoid striking a third, uninvolved, vehicle. When the trooper terminated the pursuit, the State Police vehicle went off the road, struck a tree, and rolled over once.
The trooper suffered minor, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.
The incident remains under investigation.
