JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — James City County Police have apprehended a suspect they say was involved in a hit-and-run road rage incident.
Just before 7 a.m. Monday, police and fire crews were called to a two-vehicle crash on the 4100 block of Rochambeau Drive.
Police said the suspect, 51-year-old Brian Lemons, driving a gray Nissan, engaged in aggressive behaviors, intentionally ramming into another vehicle on Interstate 64 multiple times.
According to police, when the victim exited I-64 onto Croaker Road, Lemons followed and continued to crash into the victim’s vehicle until it overturned.
After driving into a ditch, Lemons abandoned their vehicle and took off on foot toward the Croaker Road Park and Ride, police said.
The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
Police say that Lemons was arrested on the morning of Dec. 7 and he was formally charged with felony hit and run, reckless driving and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Initial search efforts by JCCPD, including drone deployment by the Tactical Field Force and the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, concluded at approximately 10 a.m. Monday.
“It’s obviously a very, very scary incident,” said Ryan Adcock, AAA Tidewater public relations specialist.
He said we are seeing more of these cases in our area.
“It is alarming,” Adcock said.
Police haven’t released exactly what caused the erratic behavior from the Nissan, but Adcock shared things drivers can keep in mind while on the road.
“Making sure we are avoiding eye contact,” Adcock said. “Making sure we aren’t following too close to the cars in front of us. … Changing lanes, (and) make sure there is enough room for us in the lane we are going into. Making sure we are being aware of our surroundings.”
He also shared things you can do if you find yourself in a scary situation.
“Making sure you have a visual escape route,” Adcock said. “Call 911.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to come forward. Contact the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit tips online at p3tips.com.
