New Kent pursuit results in Richmond man’s arrest on several felonies

A Richmond man who led New Kent officers on a pursuit has been arrested following an Apr. 17 incident.

James Alonzo McLaughlin, 39, of the 3800 block of Chamberlayne Avenue, has been charged with three felonies and five misdemeanors as the result of the chase.

In a New Kent Sheriff’s Office press release, at approximately 1:15 p.m., a call for service was received about a suspicious vehicle and possible intoxicated occupants. The officers responded to Chesapeake Circle in the Providence Forge area, finding a vehicle matching the description. Deputies made contact with the occupants of the vehicle, with one deputy observing that the driver appeared to be intoxicated and noting the alcoholic beverage from the driver.

While the deputy was attempting to detain the driver, the vehicle sped away from the scene, initiating a chase. The vehicle traveled south on North Courthouse Road and continued onto Pocahontas Trail. The suspect traveled eastbound on Pocahontas Trail, leaving the roadway and striking a utility pole, resulting in the wires falling onto Pocahontas Trail.

The driver attempted to flee the vehicle on foot but was apprehended on the scene and taken into custody. The driver, now identified as McLaughlin, was treated by New Kent Fire-Rescue and transported via helicopter to local hospital for medical evaluation. A second occupant of the vehicle was transported to a separate local hospital by ambulance for medical evaluation.

McLaughlin was released from the hospital on Apr. 18 and was transported to Henrico Regional Jail East, where he is being held without bond.

McLaughlin has been charged with one count each of felony hit and run, felony destruction of property, and felony eluding of police. He has also been charged with misdemeanors and driving infractions that include driving under the influence, obstruction of justice, reckless driving, driving with no operator’s license, reckless driving by speed, operating a motor vehicle while using a handheld device, having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, and failing to yield the right-of-way.