Update: Teenager charged with homicide, involuntary manslaughter after Oct. 24 New Kent car chase

A teenager who led a chase through New Kent during an early morning pursuit on Oct. 24 now faces felony charges including homicide and involuntary manslaughter.

Jahreese R. Watson-Ricks, 18, of Yorktown, has been charged with the two aforementioned charges, as well as felony eluding of police, felony hit and run, misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor, misdemeanor reckless driving, and several other offenses.

According to a Virginia State Police report, at 12:53 a.m. a trooper observed a white Infiniti sedan traveling at 100 miles per hour in a posted 70 miles per hour zone at mile marker 211 eastbound on Interstate 64. The officer also observed the vehicle traveling on the shoulder of the road and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver fled and continued to flee, getting off on exit 227 in James City County.

The pursuit continued westbound on Route 249 (New Kent Highway) before the Infiniti ran off the right side of the roadway, reentered the highway and ran off the left striking trees. The vehicle subsequently caught fire.

The driver, identified at Watson-Ricks, attempted to flee on foot but was quickly located. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

A passenger in the car was transported for treatment with a life-threatening injury at the time. Unfortunately, the 17-year-old female succumbed to her injuries on Oct. 25.

The investigation remains ongoing.