West Virginia State Police search for suspect after I-77 chase and crash

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West Virginia State Police are searching for a suspect who fled a traffic stop on Interstate 77 near Pax, leading to a chase that ended in a crash. The unidentified suspect got out of the crashed vehicle and fled on foot toward Maple Fork Road in Raleigh County. Authorities believe the suspect may have gotten a ride and was later dropped off in the Mount Hope area of Fayette County, where he again fled on foot. No injuries were reported, and the suspect remains unidentified and at large.

Why it matters

High-speed chases and crashes pose a significant risk to public safety, and the ability of law enforcement to apprehend suspects who flee the scene is crucial for maintaining order and preventing further incidents. This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by state police in West Virginia to address criminal activity on major highways.

The details

According to the West Virginia State Police, the incident began around 3:13 pm on February 26, 2026, when troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a southbound vehicle on I-77 near the 56-mile marker for observed traffic violations. The driver refused to yield and fled southbound on the interstate, leading to a chase that ended in a crash near the 51-mile marker. The unidentified suspect then got out of the vehicle and fled on foot toward Maple Fork Road in Raleigh County. During the investigation, authorities learned the suspect may have gotten a ride from an unknown individual and was later dropped off in the Mount Hope area of Fayette County, where he again fled on foot.

• The incident began around 3:13 pm on February 26, 2026.
• The vehicle crashed near the 51-mile marker on I-77.

What’s next

The investigation is ongoing, and the West Virginia State Police are encouraging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to contact them at 304-256-6786.