Gate City man arrested after chase, accident causes total loss to patrol car | WJHL

WEBER CITY, Va. (WJHL) — A Gate City man was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly leading police on a chase through Weber City and Kingsport that ended in a crash that wrecked a patrol car.

According to a Weber City Police press release, an officer filmed a red Ford Mustang driving on US 23 South at 68 mph in a 40 mph zone. The officer attempted to pull the driver over and the driver fled at over 100 mph, the press release said.

“The pursuit continued until the vehicle entered Exit Ramp 3, lost control while making a right turn at the intersection, and then collided with Officer Vermillion’s patrol car as he continued to flee,” the press release states.

The officer’s patrol car was disabled by the accident and the suspect continued to flee. The press release states that the suspect, who was later identified as Christopher Quillen, crashed shortly afterward and was arrested.

Weber City police said charges have been filed against Quillen in Virginia and Tennessee, but the investigation is pending. Police said no serious injuries were reported in the crash.

Officer Vermillion’s quick thinking and decisive actions during this chase are commendable, and the Weber City Police Department is grateful for his efforts to protect the community. Special thanks go out to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Kingsport Police Department, and Kingsport Fire Department.

Police Department of the City of Weber