Man Admits to Larceny, Drug Use After Multi-City Police Chase

Court documents reveal suspect's confession to stealing goods and using proceeds to fund drug habit and fuel car.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A man who led police on a multi-city car chase in January has admitted to being a serial larcenist, selling stolen goods to buy drugs and keep gas in his car, according to court documents. The suspect, Joseph R. Alvey, was spotted shoplifting power tools and fled when police arrived, leading to a pursuit that ended with Alvey being shot by an officer in Norfolk. Alvey was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and later confessed to his crimes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of property crime and drug abuse in the region, as well as the risks posed by high-speed police chases. The incident raises questions about how law enforcement can better address serial offenders and the underlying factors driving these types of crimes.

The details

According to court documents, police were investigating Alvey for a series of larcenies in the 1200 Block of North Main Street in Suffolk when they spotted him shoplifting power tools. Alvey fled in his car, driving into oncoming traffic and nearly hitting an officer before being shot by the officer. Alvey continued driving and led police on a multi-jurisdictional chase before being arrested in Norfolk. In the hospital, Alvey admitted to reselling the stolen goods on Facebook Marketplace to buy drugs and keep gas in his car.

  • Around 7:56 a.m. on January 28, police spotted Alvey shoplifting in Suffolk.
  • Alvey fled police and led them on a multi-city chase that ended with his arrest in Norfolk.

The players

Joseph R. Alvey

A serial larcenist who admitted to stealing goods, reselling them on Facebook Marketplace, and using the proceeds to buy drugs and fuel his car.

Suffolk Police

The law enforcement agency that initially responded to the shoplifting incident and pursued Alvey.

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What they’re saying

“Alvey admitted to a detective that he was going to resell the stolen merchandise on Facebook Marketplace, and that he uses the money from the sales to buy drugs and keep gas in his car.”

— Joseph R. Alvey (Court documents)

What’s next

The officer who shot Alvey has been placed on paid administrative leave while authorities investigate the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing property crimes and drug abuse, as well as the risks posed by high-speed pursuits. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling the underlying social and economic factors driving these types of offenses.