AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has reported that they were involved in a vehicle pursuit in the Fishersville area on the evening of Monday, November 18.

ACSO said in a release that a deputy observed a blue Acura fail to yield the right of way at the intersection of Ramsey Road and Tinkling Spring Road. When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the male driver of the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed, prompting a pursuit.

The pursuit traveled north on Tinkling Spring Road and then onto Jefferson Highway. During the pursuit, the deputy made contact with the suspect vehicle in an attempt to pin it against the curb. However, the suspect continued driving recklessly, disregarding stop lights and weaving in and out of oncoming traffic.

The pursuit concluded at the intersection of Long Meadow and Jefferson Highway, where the suspect vehicle rear-ended another car, causing an eight-vehicle crash. Multiple individuals were transported to Augusta Health for treatment, with one person sustaining serious injuries.

The male driver, identified as Justin Riley Harvey, 36, of Stuarts Draft, was taken into custody without further incident. Harvey fled law enforcement due to active warrants issued by the Waynesboro Circuit Court for the following charges:

• §18.2-51: Felony Malicious Wounding
• §18.2-154: Felony Maliciously Shooting at a Vehicle
• §18.2-53.1: Use of a Firearm While Committing Certain Felonies
• §18.2-308.2: Violent Felon in Possession of a Weapon

Harvey was transported to Augusta Health with minor injuries. Additional charges are pending at this time.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police are actively investigating this incident.

The following agencies responded and assisted with this incident: Augusta County Fire and Rescue, Stuarts Draft Rescue, Staunton Augusta Rescue, and Waynesboro First Aid Crew.