AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) – A Staunton man has been arrested after a vehicle pursuit ended in a multi-vehicle crash.

Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith says that on the evening of January 4, at approximately 7:47 PM, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office was involved in a vehicle pursuit that began in the 1400 block of Jefferson Highway in Augusta County and ended with a multiple vehicle crash in the City of Waynesboro.

A deputy observed two vehicles racing in the area and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. One of the suspect vehicles failed to stop and immediately fled eastbound on Jefferson Highway at a high rate of speed, leading to a brief pursuit.

The fleeing vehicle performed a U-turn in the middle of Rosser Avenue in Waynesboro, turned off its headlights, and subsequently rear-ended another vehicle, causing it to overturn. The suspect then attempted to flee the crash scene, continuing to drive recklessly.

The pursuing deputy attempted to intercept the suspect vehicle but collided with another vehicle that entered the deputy’s lane of travel. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn, and the deputy’s vehicle was totaled at the scene. The crash was report at 7:51 PM.

Despite the crash, additional deputies quickly responded to the scene. The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Joshua Anthony Hinojos Grado, from Staunton. Grado was charged with the following:

46.2-817 Felony elude law enforcement

46.2-865 Misdemeanor racing

46.2-862 Misdemeanor reckless driving in excess of 85 MPH

46.2-862 Misdemeanor reckless driving

46.2-833 Misdemeanor Fail to obey traffic signal

“The Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the quick response from the Virginia State Police, Waynesboro Police Department, Waynesboro Fire Department, and the Waynesboro First Aid Crew.” “I would like to remind the community of the risks associated with fleeing law enforcement and reckless driving,” said Sheriff Donald Smith.

The ACSO requested the Virginia State Police to investigate the crash.