Trooper, K9 Hurt In Fairfax Co. Chase Of Silver Spring Driver

MCLEAN, VA — A Maryland driver hit 90 mph fleeing Virginia state police before ramming into a patrol vehicle and crashing near American Legion Bridge, officials said. A trooper and K9 were hurt in the chase on Interstate 495.

About 3:38 a.m., a Virginia State Police trooper spotted the speeding vehicle on Interstate 95 northbound near Route 286, according to a news release. The trooper caught up to the vehicle and the tags were reported as stolen. The suspect vehicle then increased speed and a pursuit began.

Authorities said the chase continued onto Interstate 495 northbound, where additional troopers joined in to assist. As the pursuit reached the American Legion Bridge, police said the suspect — later identified as Jared D. Rodriguez, 20, of Silver Spring, Maryland — intentionally rammed one of the Virginia State Police vehicles, forcing it into the jersey wall.

The trooper suffered minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital. The Virginia State Police K9 suffered minor cuts and will need to be evaluated by a veterinarian, officials said.

Rodriguez has been charged with reckless driving, felony eluding, grand larceny, assault on a law enforcement officer, injury to a police animal, destruction of property, and possession of burglary tools, police said.

The three passengers in Rodriguez's vehicle were initially taken into custody, but later released.

The incident remains under investigation.