High-Speed chase on I-77 ends in Raleigh County with arrest

MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A high-speed chase on I-77 that started in Virginia and continued into Mercer County, WV, ended in Raleigh County with one arrested.

On September 21, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Mercer County deputies joined a pursuit involving a maroon Dodge Ram that was speeding and evading police on Interstate 77. The pursuit began in Bland County, Virginia, and crossed into West Virginia, with speeds reaching 80-90 miles per hour.

Bland County officers initially attempted to stop the vehicle for speeding, but the driver, later identified as Alex Lavoie, failed to yield. Mercer County deputies, including Cpl. Lacy, Deputy Nelson, and Deputy J.A. Brooks, joined the pursuit as the vehicle passed through the tunnels at the Virginia-West Virginia state line.

Despite multiple attempts to stop the vehicle, including deploying spike strips near mile marker 8.5, the driver continued northbound at high speeds. One spike strip deflated two of Deputy Nelson’s tires, forcing him to exit the pursuit. Cpl. Lacy and Deputy Brooks continued following the vehicle through Mercer and into Raleigh County.

As the chase progressed, Lavoie bypassed the toll booth without stopping and eventually slowed down near mile marker 32. The suspect pulled over, complied with commands, and was arrested without incident by West Virginia State Police.

Lavoie later admitted to fleeing because his vehicle’s registration had expired, and it was uninsured. His vehicle was registered in New Hampshire but had expired in March 2023, and his driver’s license had also expired in March 2024.

Due to the chase crossing county lines, West Virginia State Police took Lavoie into custody. A warrant will be sought for fleeing with reckless indifference, with all related charges stemming from Mercer County.