Originally Posted by 65-SpyderGT

A high-speed chase in Campbell County has left one sheriff’s deputy in the hospital and a Lynchburg man facing charges.

The deputy, Sgt. T.A. Emerson, was released from the hospital Monday, but will remain out of work for six months while his spinal fracture heals, said Major Steve Hutcherson of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office.

Emerson lost control of his cruiser at the Leesville Road exit on U.S. 460 at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday, shortly after he began chasing two motorcycles traveling more than 100 mph, Hutcherson said.

The man he was chasing, Roger Lee Johnson of Lynchburg, is facing charges of hit and run, reckless driving, felony eluding arrest and being a habitual offender.

The chase began after Emerson saw two motorcycles speeding north on U.S. 29, near the intersection with Virginia 24, Hutcherson said.

The pursuit continued onto U.S. 460, where the two motorcycles split - one heading east and one heading west.

Emerson chased the motorcycle heading west on U.S. 460, which authorities believe was driven by Johnson.

At the Leesville Road exit, the motorcycle driver braked hard, Hutcherson said, and turned quickly like he was heading up Leesville Road into the city.

Emerson couldn’t stop in time, and swerved to avoid hitting the motorcycle. That’s when he lost control of the cruiser and hit an embankment.

The crash comes as Campbell County deputies still are coping with the pursuit-related death of a deputy in April.

“You’ve got to weigh the consequences,” Hutcherson said. “We’ve got people running over 100 miles per hour on motorcycles. If you don’t do anything, it’s a bad situation all the way around. They have a potential for hurting themselves or someone else if you don’t pursue. If you do … there’s a possibility that one of our guys can be hurt or killed.”

Hutcherson said Emerson broke a vertebra in his lower back. He has been confined to a back brace and will be out of work for six months while his spine heals, which his doctor expects will proceed without any complications.

Emerson was able to provide the motorcycle’s license plate number, which led investigators to the registered owner of the bike, who then led them to Johnson, Hutcherson said. Investigators do not know who was driving the other motorcycle.

Johnson has several prior convictions, including obstruction of justice, assault and battery, driving on a suspended license, possession and distribution of cocaine and driving while a habitual offender.






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Oh, and Johnson witnessed the accident and sped off afterwards, not even bothering to check on the condition of the deputy who wrecked (and nearly died) to save his life, there are several witnesses to this fact.