A teen was killed in a vehicle accident during the early morning hours Sunday.
According to the Orange Police Department, on Nov. 16 at approximately 2 a.m., a patrol officer responding to a report of a vehicle break-in attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a 2014 Nissan Altima matching a report by witnesses for a traffic violation and erratic driving. The driver failed to stop and fled the scene with a pursuit ensuing.
According to Virginia State Police, the Altima was traveling on Rt. 20 near the intersection of Woodside Road when it went off the right side of the road, struck a ditch, a mailbox and two trees. The vehicle then went airborne and struck a second mailbox before coming to a rest.
The driver, a 17-year-old male, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt. The crash remains under investigation.
According to the Orange Police Department, the Altima was reported stolen from the Town of Orange and the criminal investigation remains ongoing. Other suspects are involved in the vehicle break-ins and a vehicle reported stolen is still unaccounted for. An internal investigation cleared the officer to return to work.
