WYTHEVILLE, Va. (WFXR) — The Virginia State Police and the Wytheville Police Department report a woman has been arrested for numerous charges, including attempted capital murder after ramming a trooper’s vehicle on Thursday, May 8.

Police say the incident started when reports were received that a person, who was later identified as 27-year-old Kati Louise Villoch from Wytheville, allegedly tried to break into the gun display at Walmart. Officers arrived on the scene and learned that Villoch had already fled the area; however, using Walmart video footage, they were able to obtain a physical description and vehicle information.

Around 10:50 a.m., VSP alerted the Wytheville PD that they located Villoch’s vehicle and pulled her over on the 1400 block of East Main Street. During the traffic stop, Villoch allegedly refused to exit the vehicle. VSP said that Villoch then allegedly backed into the trooper’s vehicle, hitting an officer in the process. She then allegedly fled the scene.

A police pursuit began with multiple law enforcement officers, but Villoch’s vehicle was eventually lost on North 4th Street.

Wytheville PD and VSP were searching the surrounding area when a Wytheville Detective witnessed the vehicle in a residential neighborhood near the Wythe County Community Hospital.

When Villoch saw active law enforcement, she allegedly fled again. The chase continued at high speeds through the neighborhood, into the hospital, and then back onto West Ridge Road. Wytheville Police said Villoch attempted to make a left turn onto Petunia Road but lost control, went off the road and crashed into an embankment.

After a short stand-off, VSP’s Tactical Team used a light and sound distraction device, causing her to surrender to the police.

Wytheville Police say Villoch allegedly slipped out of the handcuffs at the magistrate’s office and attempted to flee, but was taken back into custody immediately.

It is reported that the officer was hit during the incident but did not suffer any injuries.

Wytheville Police has charged Villoch with the following:

  • Eluding Police
  • Escape without Force
  • Drive Suspended
  • Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Control
  • Reckless Driving, Endanger Life
  • Destroy Property less than $1,000
  • Two counts failure to obey Traffic Sign

VSP has charged Villoch with the following:

  • Attempted Capital Murder
  • Destruction of Property
  • Felony Hit and Run.

Kati Louise Villoch is currently being held at New River Valley Regional Jail without bail.

The Wytheville Police Detective Division is still investigating the original incident at Walmart and the incident on Rural King.

WFXR News will update this story as further information is released.