WEST VIRGINIA — In a dramatic turn of events on Monday evening, a Parkersburg Police officer was thrust into a pursuit after a 2009 Chevrolet 1500 collided with a 1998 Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Sixth Street and Garfield Avenue just before 7:30 p.m. This incident occurred as the officer was responding to a separate crash, according to Parkersburg Police Capt. R.L. Koher.
Following the collision, the Chevrolet 1500 swiftly continued along Sixth Street, prompting the officer to give chase. The pursuit escalated as the driver executed a daring U-turn, hurtling back onto Garfield Avenue, with speeds reaching a dangerous 80 mph, Koher reported.
The chase unfolded along Fifth Street, witnessing the 1500 recklessly run a red light and charge onto the Belpre Bridge, Koher recounted. In a show of solidarity, multiple Parkersburg Police cruisers trailed the suspect, and soon after, Belpre Police joined the pursuit.
“The officers diligently followed him all the way to his residence,” Koher affirmed.
Ultimately, the driver, identified as 61-year-old Richard Huffman, halted near his residence at 1010 Florence St., exiting the vehicle without incident. Huffman was promptly arrested, as confirmed by Belpre Police Chief Mike Stump.
Stump detailed the charges against Huffman in Belpre, which include fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Huffman is currently held at the Washington County Jail, where he awaits extradition to West Virginia, with a bond set at $10,250.
Additionally, Huffman is slated to face charges in Parkersburg for fleeing in a vehicle with reckless disregard, as stated by Koher.
The minor who was in the vehicle struck by Huffman's truck sustained no injuries, Koher assured.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by high-speed pursuits and the invaluable dedication of law enforcement officers in ensuring public safety. The Parkersburg Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the initial collision and subsequent chase. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.