Bridgeport Police assisted in a high-speed chase Thursday night; one of the city’s units apprehending the suspect. Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker said his department was notified around 9:30 p.m. that law enforcement from Upshur and Lewis counties were pursuing a 2000 Buick Century that was traveling northbound on I-79.

 

“When we got the call, our units were on patrol,” Walker said. “(Lt.) John Post went to the city limits at Route. 50 and I-79 in case he came into Bridgeport that way and another officer – Mike Hammond – went to the 121 mile marker (Meadowbrook Mall exit).”

 

Walker said it was one of the smoothest pursuit incidents he has ever witnessed.

 

“The communication was great and deputies were calling ahead – telling us which lane the suspect was in,” he said.

 

The Century did not exit I-79 at Rt. 50, but rather continued northbound along the interstate, hitting some spike strips near the 121 mile marker and ultimately coming to a stop at the 124 mile marker, where he and his passengers were met by Bridgeport Police.

 

“I believe there were three people in the car and they were all taken into custody,” Walker said. “One had multiple warrants on file for her.”

 

Clarksburg Police and West Virginia State Police assisted in the pursuit, as well.

 

According to a report, the case reached speeds of 90 miles per hour. When Bridgeport Police received the 9:30 p.m. call about the pursuit, the Buick Century was passing the 99 mile marker (Weston).

 

“So it was about eight minutes before he arrived in our area,” Walker said. “He was chased a total of about 40 miles.”

 

Walker said he is proud of his department for such a swift, safe end to the pursuit.