State Trooper Struck Motorcycle During Chase: Police

DULLES, VA — A motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries during a police pursuit that began on the Dulles Greenway on Thursday, Sept. 2. Virginia State Police claimed that the motorcyclist fled from police.

In a news release, state police officials said a trooper attempted to stop a motorcycle on the Dulles Greenway at 9:42 a.m. on Thursday. The trooper claimed that the motorcycle was travelling 84 miles per hour. The speed limit in that area is 55 miles per hour.

"The motorcycle refused to stop for the trooper and sped away at an excessive speed," officials said in a release on Thursday. "A pursuit was initiated."

At some point during the chase, the motorcycle left the Dulles Greenway and turned onto the Dulles Toll Road. Authorities said the chase reached speeds of up to 130 miles per hour.

"Approximately a half mile west of Route 657 and just inside Fairfax County on the Dulles Toll Road, the motorcycle pulled off to the shoulder and suddenly braked," Virginia State Police said. "The trooper was unable to stop in time and struck the motorcycle."

Rescue personnel flew the motorcyclist to a hospital to receive treatment. His injuries were described as "life-threatening" by officials with Virginia State Police. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.

In an earlier report on Thursday morning, authorities said the motorcycle's operator lost control and crashed.

The crash and pursuit are still under investigation, authorities said. The investigation is being handled by the Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team.

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