An officer was seriously injured when a man suspected of carjacking deliberately struck him with an SUV Thursday night in Prince William County, Virginia, police said.
Just before 11 p.m. Thursday, an officer approached the SUV on Oust Lane in Dale City because the car matched the description of a vehicle that was stolen earlier in the evening from a 7-Eleven in Woodbridge, police said. .
When the officer was in the driver’s side window, the driver sped up and made a U-turn. The suspect then drove directly toward the officer at a speed, according to authorities.
Before the van struck the officer, the officer fired his weapon, according to police. The suspect then fled.
The officer sustained a significant head injury and was taken to a hospital. Authorities indicated that his condition has improved and he is expected to make a full recovery.
Police finally found the suspect a couple of hours later during an extensive search of the area.
Valmiki Deo Chandler, 18, was arrested and charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated malicious injury, felony hit and run, felony evading, and felony auto theft.
