ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) — The Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) arrested a man Monday morning following a high-speed chase, arresting him for felony eluding police and possession of meth, among other charges.

According to Washington County Sheriff Blake Andis, deputies clocked a vehicle traveling “an excessive speed” on Porterfield Highway. A pursuit followed and ended in Abingdon, according to Andis.

According to a WCSO detective, deputies reportedly clocked Matthew Blankenship, 25, driving 73 mph in a 55-mph zone on Route 19 near John Douglas Wayside at 11:02 a.m. Officers attempted to pull Blankenship over before a short pursuit followed.

Abingdon Police Chief J.T. Holbrook revealed the pursuit ended in town when the suspect’s vehicle, a 2016 Hyundai hatchback, crashed at the intersection of Route 19 (Porterfield Highway) and West Main Street.

A WCSO detective revealed the pursuit lasted a short time, with the crash occurring at 11:09 a.m.

“We did have a pursuit earlier today that I believe was initiated by [the] Washington County Sheriff’s Office,” Holbrook stated. “The pursuit ended in town…The suspect was taken into custody.”

Holbrook said the crash happened after the suspect’s vehicle hit two other vehicles while attempting to merge onto West Main Street. According to Holbrook, Blankenship then attempted to run from the scene but was arrested after a short chase.

The WCSO arrested Blankenship on the following charges:

  • Speeding (73 mph in a 55-mph zone)
  • No valid license
  • Felony evading police
  • Reckless driving — failure to maintain
  • Possession of Schedule I/II drugs
  • Possession of narcotics and a firearm
  • Convicted felon with possession of a firearm

The WCSO detective told News Channel 11 that officers found “a substantial amount” of methamphetamine in the vehicle Blankenship had been driving and that one of the guns was loaded.

There were two passengers in the suspect’s vehicle, according to Holbrook, and no injuries were reported. The Abingdon Police Department arrested one passenger on an unrelated charge, including public intoxication.

This is a developing story. News Channel 11 will provide updates as we receive them on-air and online at WJHL.com.