STUART, Va. (WNCN/AP) – A call about an intruder at a state park in Virginia led to a police pursuit spanning more than 80 miles that left an elderly man dead and a North Carolina woman facing six charges, including vehicular homicide.
Rangers at Staunton River State Park found 41-year-old Christine Barnette of Cary in an unrented cabin on Friday and requested assistance from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. By the time deputies arrived, a vehicle pursuit began that spanned several counties, WDBJ reported.
Police said Barnette was contained at one point while still in Halifax County. That was before she “rammed two deputy vehicles” and was able to evade them in the South Boston area.
Authorities said the pursuit continued west through Pittsylvania and Henry counties, crossing through Martinsville and reaching speeds up to 100 miles per hour.
The chase came to an end three counties west of the state park in Patrick County, where Barnette crossed the median into the eastbound lanes of Route 58, causing a head-on collision.
The other car involved in the crash was driven by 81-year-old Bobby Wayne Gammons of Mount Airy.
Gammons was reported dead on the scene and Barnette was flown to Roanoke Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries, Virginia State Police said.
Following the deadly police chase that began in a Virginia State Park, Barnette is facing the following charges:
- breaking and entering
- reckless driving
- defrauding an innkeeper
- felony eluding police
- trespassing
- vehicular homicide
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
