Pursuit Ends in an Eight-vehicle Crash, With One Badly Injured in Fishersville

Fishersville – A pursuit involving an Augusta County Sheriff’s Office officer and a suspect concluded Monday near Fishersville with an eight-vehicle disaster, according to the sheriff’s office.

According to a press release, at around 5 p.m., a deputy observed a blue Acura that allegedly refused to yield the right-of-way at Ramsey Road and Tinkling Spring Road intersection. When the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver allegedly sped away, heading north on Tinkling Spring Road and then onto Jefferson Highway, according to the sheriff’s office.

“During the pursuit, the deputy made contact with the suspect car, attempting to pin it against the curb. However, the suspect proceeded to drive dangerously, ignoring stop signals and weaving in and out of oncoming traffic, according to the release.

The pursuit came to a stop at the crossroads of Long Meadow Road and Jefferson Highway, where the Acura allegedly rear-ended another automobile, resulting in an eight-vehicle incident, according to the sheriff’s office. Several people were rushed to Augusta Health in Fishersville for treatment, with one suffering critical injuries.

Justin R. Harvey, 36, of Stuarts Draft, was arrested on the spot. According to the sheriff’s office, Harvey had current warrants from Waynesboro Circuit Court for malicious wounding, intentionally shooting at a vehicle, using a handgun in the conduct of a felony, and being a violent criminal in possession of a weapon. According to court records, Harvey was indicted by the Waynesboro grand jury in September.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police are looking into the event.

“Pursuits are inherently dangerous to our community, the deputies, and the suspect,” Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith stated in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured, and we will ensure justice is served.”

Augusta Health treated Harvey for minor injuries. According to the sheriff’s office, additional charges are pending.

The Augusta County Fire & Rescue, Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad, Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad, and Waynesboro First Aid Crew all responded to the incident.