Suspect Leads Police on Chase, Hides Behind Trash Can at Metro Stop

ARLINGTON, VA -- A DC driver who led police on a chase early Friday crashed his car and was found hiding behind a Metro station trash can, police said. He was transported to Arlington County jail and is facing numerous charges, according to Virginia State Police (VSP).

At approximately 2:45 a.m. Friday (Jan. 15), Virginia State Police Trooper K.S. Fleenor II observed a Nissan Xterra traveling east on Interstate 66 at a high rate of speed, according to VSP. The trooper initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle pulled off to the shoulder and stopped.

But during the course of the traffic stop, the Nissan fled from the trooper and headed east on I-66, VSP said. The suspect vehicle took Exit 68 and the trooper lost sight of it.

As the Nissan came through the exit ramp, it ran off the road, went through a fence, struck a tree and then an unoccupied vehicle in a parking lot, according to police. The driver then fled the scene on foot.

With the assistance of Arlington County Police and Fairfax County Police, the suspect driver was apprehended at approximately 3:51 a.m. behind a trash can at the East Falls Church Metro Station. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported to Arlington County Adult Detention Center.

The driver, Artis L. Thomas Jr., 21, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged with DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs), felony eluding law enforcement, possession of a concealed weapon, hit-and-run, and possession of marijuana. A handgun was recovered from Artis’ vehicle.

The incident remains under investigation.