Runaway juvenile charged with attempted murder after attacking Chilhowie clerk with knife, leading pursuit in Tenn.

CHILHOWIE, Va. (WJHL) – A juvenile suspect was taken into custody by Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) early Saturday around an hour after allegedly attacking a gas station clerk with a knife in Chilhowie, Virginia.

According to a release Wednesday from the Chilhowie Police Department, a THP trooper witnessed a vehicle swerving while using a cell phone at approximately 1:48 a.m. Saturday. The trooper attempted a traffic stop before the driver began a “reckless pursuit,” according to the release.

On Monday, the THP notified the Chilhowie Police Department that the driver in that pursuit was identified as the wanted suspect in an armed robbery attempt that had occurred nearly an hour prior. The juvenile suspect allegedly attacked a gas station clerk with a knife in an attempted robbery.

The juvenile suspect is awaiting extradition to Virginia on a charge of attempted first-degree murder and is also facing charges in Tennessee, the release said. The case is still under investigation and more charges could be filed.

The release said the juvenile was identified as a missing runaway from Massachusetts. He is currently being held in the Upper Tennessee Juvenile Detention Center in Johnson City.

A statement from the Chilhowie Chief of Police Andrew Moss can be found below:

While our officers and those assisting our agency had developed and gathered strong leads and evidence in this case, the suspect being a juvenile and attempting to flee the country made an arrest very unlikely. If not for the outstanding work of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper, this arrest would not have been possible. It is that spirit of partnership that allows us to keep our communities safe!

Chief Andrew Moss of the Chilhowie Police Department

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.