NEWPORT NEWS — Virginia State Police (VSP) has announced that Jonathan E. Earls, a suspect in the July 18 crash in Chesapeake that killed another driver, has been arrested.
On Sunday, July 18, Earls, who was driving a 2016 Chrysler 200, was being pursued by the Chesapeake Police Department. Earls failed to slow down at a lane closure and struck the rear o a 2005 Honda Accord driven by 18-year-old Jahsani Jean-Baptist of Chesapeake. The car in which Jean-Baptist was driving was pushed into the rear of a 2013 Toyota Scion.
The impact caused Jean-Baptist’s vehicle to catch fire before becoming fully engulfed in flames. While the driver and passenger of the Scion were treated for only minor injuries, Jean-Baptist died at the scene.
Earls fled on food into the adjacent tree line and had not been located.
On the evening of Sunday, Aug. 22, the Newport News Police Department (NNPD) conducted a routine traffic stop and, in pursuant of said stop, were able to arrest Earls.
Earls, of Westbrook Drive in Hampton, has been charged with: hit and run/fatality, felony eluding, felony homicide, felony possession of a firearm, reckless driving, and driving while revoked. NNPD also laid charges on Earls regarding the traffic stop.
He has been taken to the Newport News City Jail, where he has received no bond.