Cop Shot At Driver Before Stolen Vehicle Hit Him In Woodbridge On Thursday: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A Prince William County Police officer suffered serious injuries on Thursday when a stolen vehicle hit him in Woodbridge, the police department said. Authorities said the officer fired several gunshots at the vehicle before it hit him.

The police officer, who authorities have not identified by name, suffered a significant head injury when he hit the road. The police department said the officer's condition is improving, and he is expected to make a full recovery.

Authorities identified the suspect as 18-year-old Valmiki Deo Chandler of Woodbridge. Chandler is charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated malicious wounding, felony hit & run, felony eluding, and felony grand larceny auto theft.

Chandler was taken into custody after an extensive search on Friday morning. He is being held without bond at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center. His court date is pending.

The police department said Chandler was not struck by the officer's gunfire or injured.

The incident began around 10 p.m. on Thursday night when a 2012 Dodge Journey was stolen from the 7-Eleven on Darbydale Avenue in Woodbridge. Authorities said the SUV was left unlocked with the keys inside.

One officer found the vehicle around 11 p.m. on Oust Lane in Woodbridge and tried to speak to the driver.

"The driver sped away, made a U-turn, and began driving directly towards the officer at a high rate of speed," the police department said in a report. "In response, the officer fired their department issued handgun at least once towards the vehicle before being forcibly struck."

After crashing into the officer, the driver lost control of the SUV and hit another parked vehicle. The collision caused the SUV to roll onto its side, police said. The driver then ran away.

Police officers searched for the suspect, who was seen near Princedale Drive around 1:30 a.m. on Friday morning. Undercover detectives found him and took him into custody. He suffered minor injuries in the crash, authorities said.

"Although the accused was not struck or injured by the officer’s actions, the investigation is classified as an officer-involved shooting," the police department said in a report. "The Prince William County Police Department is primary on both the criminal investigation and separate, independent administrative investigation in the incident which are both continuing."

The officer involved in the shooting will remain on administrative leave as he recovers.