PURSUIT ENDS IN ARREST ON I-77

PURSUIT ENDS IN ARREST ON I-77

Marmet, WV – On Sunday, June 14, 2026, Corporal T.S. Dubiel and Deputy Ramsey of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office arrested Justin Richard Connard following a lengthy vehicle pursuit that began in Marmet and ended near the Kanawha City exit on Interstate 77.

The incident began when the two deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a GMC vehicle after observing it run a red light near the I-77 exit ramp and Route 94. The driver initially pulled over but never placed the vehicle in park, refused commands to lower the vehicle’s windows, and then fled from the scene.

During the pursuit, Connard allegedly drove recklessly through traffic, entered opposing lanes of travel multiple times, struck a Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle and reached speeds exceeding 120 mph on Interstate 77.

The pursuit ended after Connard lost control of the vehicle near the Kanawha City exit and collided with a guardrail. Cpl. Dubiel and Deputy Ramsey, along with assistance from the West Virginia State Police then took Connard into custody without further incident.

After exiting the vehicle, Connard allegedly threw a bag containing suspected controlled substances over an overpass. Deputies recovered the suspected substances, which have been submitted to the West Virginia State Police Laboratory for testing. Deputies also located alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle. Connard reportedly displayed signs of impairment and was charged with fleeing from a law enforcement officer in a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as well as fleeing from a law enforcement officer in a vehicle showing a reckless indifference to the safety of others.

An additional adult male passenger was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident. No charges are expected to be filed against the passenger, and he was released from the scene.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Anybody that is arrested is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.