Speeding Vehicle Crashes in PE County

PRINCE EDWARD – Virginia State Police are investigating a pursuit that resulted in the suspect vehicle crashing in Prince Edward County. The incident began at approximately 9:06 a.m. last Saturday, when a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a 1996 Cadillac Seville traveling south on Route 15. The trooper was parked on Route 15 at the county line conducting stationary radar, which registered the vehicle traveling 93 mph in the posted 55 mph zone.  The driver of the Cadillac refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

The Cadillac made it approximately one mile south on Route 15 when it crossed the centerline, ran off the left side of the highway, struck two mailboxes and a tree. The driver, Charles Thornton, 53, of Crewe, Va., was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.

Thornton was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.