Man charged after police chase on I-581 ends in crash

In connection with the incident, 41-year-old Frankie W. Guthrie, of Roanoke, has been charged with attempting to elude, narcotics possession and possession of a firearm while possessing narcotics. (Roanoke Police Department)

ROANOKE, Va. – A 41-year-old man is now facing charges after a police chase on I-581 southbound that ended in a crash, according to the Roanoke Police Department.

The incident occurred at about 3 a.m. Tuesday morning near the Orange Avenue Exit.

Recommended Videos



Roanoke Police told 10 News that they tried to stop two motorcycles for speeding; however, rather than stopping, both motorcyclists took off and kept driving along I-581.

Ultimately, one of the motorcycles eventually complied with the traffic stop and pulled over near the Elm Avenue exit while the other continued driving at dangerous speed. Authorities said officers eventually lost sight of that driver.

Additional units were called to the scene, and while responding, a Roanoke Police Patrol vehicle crashed into another police car, authorities said. The collision caused the second patrol vehicle to then crash into the vehicle of an uninvolved bystander, who authorities said wasn’t hurt in the incident. There was also no significant damage to their vehicle, according to Roanoke Police.

The Roanoke Police Officers involved were transported to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries and the patrol vehicles were towed from the scene, authorities said.

In connection with the incident, 41-year-old Frankie W. Guthrie, of Roanoke, has been charged with attempting to elude, narcotics possession and possession of a firearm while possessing narcotics.


About the Author

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.

Recommended Videos