Routine Traffic Violation Ends in Police Chase Near Herndon High School

An SUV led a Herndon police officer on a pursuit in the Herndon Parkway and Dranesville Road area after the officer attempted to stop the driver for a routine traffic violation at about 7:15 this morning. 

The pursuit ended in the area of Herndon High School. The SUV drove northbound at a high rate of speed, running a red light at the intersection of Dranesville Road and Wiehle Avenue, striking a vehicle at the intersection. 

The driver of the SUV lost control, rolling the vehicle several times before coming to a stop. The driver and a passenger in the SUV were taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. No one else was injured in the accident. 

Herndon High School Principal William Bates sent out a notice to HHS parents letting them know about the accident. He said the car struck by the SUV was a student's car, but the student was not hurt and parents were notified. He also noted that a medevac helicopter landed at the school to take the driver of the SUV to the hospital. 

Herndon police said the Fairfax County Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is at work at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.  

CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION - Jan. 8 at 1:55 p.m.: The officer in pursuit of the SUV ended the chase prior to approaching the high school area, though the SUV continued driving northbound on Dranesville Road where the driver eventually crashed. 

[Want to stay on top of news in Herndon? Sign up for our daily or breaking news emails.]