Augusta County Sheriff pursuit shuts down Balsley Road, ends in flipped truck

VERONA — A Friday morning chase shut down an Augusta County road and ended up with the driver flipping his truck.

The Augusta County Sheriff's Office said in a release that it received a report of a disorderly male along the 200 block of Balsley Road and deputies responded at approximately 8 a.m. Friday.

When deputies arrived on scene, the Sheriff's Office reported that the male suspect was attempting to leave in a 2002 Chevy truck. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, per the release, but the driver refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued.

Additional deputies responded, established a perimeter, and closed down Balsley Road, the Sheriff's Office said. Per the release, the suspect vehicle drove onto several adjacent properties, attempting to evade law enforcement before returning to his own property. Tire deflation devices were used in an attempt to disable the vehicle, and the suspect ultimately flipped the truck onto its side on private property, per the Sheriff's Office.

The male driver was identified as Michael David Keys Sr., 48, of Staunton. Keys was transported by deputies to Augusta Health for medical treatment. Keys has been charged with felony eluding among other charges.

“As dangerous as this incident was to the community, the deputies were able to contain Keys to the adjacent properties within the immediate area and were able to take Keys into custody,” said Sheriff Donald Smith.

— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com