High-Speed Chase in Wythe County Ends in Bland County Crash, Two Arrested
- BTW21
- Aug 26
- 1 min read
VIRGINIA — A high-speed pursuit involving a stolen Dodge Charger Hellcat ended in a crash and two arrests in Bland County early Monday morning, Aug. 25, according to the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they first spotted the white Dodge Charger Hellcat traveling north on Interstate 81 near mile marker 77 without its headlights.
When a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, sparking a 13-mile chase that raced through the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel at dangerous speeds.
The pursuit came to an end in Bland County when the vehicle struck a guardrail.
Authorities said both men inside the car fled on foot but were quickly captured with assistance from Virginia State Police troopers.
Investigators identified the driver as Jiaair James Henry, of Ohio. Henry, who is wanted in Texas on an assault charge, now faces multiple new charges in Virginia, including felony eluding police, reckless driving, possession of a stolen vehicle, drug possession, and numerous traffic violations.
The passenger, identified as Jaylon De’Shawn Gear, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was charged with misdemeanor eluding police, possession of a stolen vehicle, and drug possession.
Officials confirmed the Dodge Charger Hellcat had been reported stolen in Charlotte. A bag containing suspected oxycodone pills was also recovered at the scene.
Both men remain in custody as the investigation continues.