According to a news release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were led on a high-speed pursuit early Sunday that ended in Clay County. On November 26, 2023 just before 3 AM, a Deputy Sheriff was passed by a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and illegally passing over vehicles on Elk River Road. A deputy attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused and continued fleeing.

Authorities say the fleeing vehicle reached speeds over 100 mph and struck the guardrail multiple times. The pursuit continued into Clay County where the driver crashed over an embankment and slammed into a tree. Authorities say the two juvenile males were trapped inside the wrecked vehicle although they were uninjured.

Both occupants were teenagers with the driver being 15 years old. Authorities say the driver told deputies he fled because he got scared after seeing the deputies turn around. The juveniles were transported back to their guardians. The 15-year-old is facing fleeing charges.