Officer seriously injured, hospitalized after struck by driver in suspected stolen vehicle: police
Valmiki Deo Chandler (Prince William County Police)
WOODBRIDGE, Va. - The man police say drove a stolen vehicle at an officer, striking him and sending him to the hospital with a serious head injury, has been arrested in Prince William County.
Authorities say Valmiki Deo Chandler, 18, of Woodbridge is facing numerous charges including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer.
They say Chandler stole a vehicle from a 7-Eleven on Darbydale Avenue in Woodbridge around 10 p.m. Thursday night.
Just before 11 p.m., an officer located the vehicle on Oust Lane and attempted to make contact with Chandler who was in the driver’s seat.
As the officer approached, police say Chandler sped away, made a U-turn, and began driving directly toward him at a high rate of speed.
The officer fired his handgun at the vehicle before he was struck. Authorities say Chandler lost control and struck a parked car then got out of the vehicle and fled on foot.
He was caught in a wooded area near Princedale Drive and Dale Boulevard around 1:30 a.m. Friday morning. He had minor injuries from the crash and was not struck by gunfire.
The officer was transported to an area hospital with a significant head injury after hitting the concrete after being struck.
The officer will remain on administrative leave as he recovers.
Chandler is being held without bond.