WCSO: Three arrested following pursuit on Interstate 81

Three people are facing charges following a high speed pursuit Tuesday on Interstate 81 in Southwest Virginia.

The Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office reported that they clocked a Dodge truck speeding while on traveling north on the interstate, and attempted to make a traffic stop, but the truck reportedly refused to pull over. Authorities say the truck weaved in and out of traffic at speeds over 100 mph, and traveled to a bridge construction area, where the driver did not stop at the road closure and struck devices to get through the area.

The pursuit continued on before the vehicle was abandoned in Marion and the suspects fled to a wooded area.

Three suspects were captured shortly after including driver Landon Lockhart, 21, of Boones Mill, Virginia, and passengers Kristen Pountious, 28 of Christiansburg, Virginia, and Zoey Martin, 47, of Buchanan, Virginia. The truck was reported to be stolen out of Botetourt County, VA that Lockhart was driving.

Martin was wanted on outstanding warrants from Botetourt County, Virginia for Failure to Pay Fines. Police say while Martin was being booked at the jail, two smoking devices were located on her person when she was x-rayed. Martin was then charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance by Prisoner.

Pountious had six Felony Probation Violations from Pulaski County, Virginia and one Felony Probation Violation in Montgomery County, Virginia.

All three subjects were transported to the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail where they are being held without bond. Other agencies helping in the pursuit include the Marion Police Department, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police.

Photo Courtesy: Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office