Man arrested, charged after police chase closed I-81 North in Botetourt County

Roberto Jasser Villareal Rios (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office)

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va.UPDATE - May 13, 2022

A man has been arrested and charged after authorities said he led them on a police chase on I-81 in Botetourt County on Thursday afternoon.

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Officers received a complaint from a caller claiming that an SUV pulling a trailer was driving recklessly on I-81. Police later found the suspect vehicle going south at mile marker 170.

Authorities say they could see red and blue flashing lights coming from inside the suspect vehicle.

Rather than stopping, the driver led police on a chase, reaching speeds above 90 mph and throwing items out of the vehicle at the officers, according to Virginia State Police.

A chase got underway and ended at the Troutville scales after the suspect vehicle was disabled by stop sticks.

Police said the suspect, who has been identified as Roberto Jasser Villarreal Rios, 39, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, resisted arrest but is now in custody. He was taken to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for injuries received during arrest.

Rios was charged with the following:

  • Throwing a Missile from a Vehicle (6 counts)
  • Felony Elude
  • Reckless Driving
  • Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer (2 counts)
  • Destruction of Property
  • Resisting Arrest
  • Impersonating a Police Officer

State Police say two officers were injured during the arrest but were treated and released at the scene.

Rios has been since then released from the hospital and now remains in the Botetourt County Jail without bond.


ORIGINAL STORY - May 12, 2022

All northbound I-81 lanes are closed in Botetourt County due to police activity, according to VDOT.

Officials said the incident is at mile marker 150.

As of 1:25 p.m., traffic is backed up for two miles.

10 News has reached out to Virginia State Police for more information.

Stick with 10 News as this breaking news story develops.