Hit and Run Fugitive Captured by Hero Bloodhound

Christian Michael Murray and his four-legged nemesis, MorganPhoto byFauquier County Sheriff's Office

WARRENTON, Va. – A four-legged sleuth was responsible for the capture of a man who fled after causing a multi-vehicle accident.

According to a media statement from the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office (FCSO), the incident occurred Sunday, July 21, 2024.

Just after 5:00 a.m., Fauquier Fire and Rescue and multiple FCSO deputies responded to a reported traffic crash on the westbound side of 1-66, just west of Marshall.

Once on-scene, deputies were able to determine that a 2009 Hyundai had rear-ended a tractor trailer. A third vehicle then struck debris from the crash.

A witness advised that the driver of the Hyundai had fled the scene into the woods, north of the highway.

While deputies worked the crash scene, a FCSO corporal and his K9 partner Morgan tracked the subject through the woods.

Morgan, a four-year-old Bloodhound from Kentucky, quickly located the fugitive a short distance from the crash site. He was arrested without incident.

The subject was identified as Christian Michael Murray, of Arlington.

Murray, 25, was treated for injuries, arrested, and charged with driving under the influence and felony hit and run. He is currently being held at the Fauquier County Adult Detention Center.

According to online court records, his next appearance in Fauquier County General District Court will be on September 25.

Sunday’s crash caused the interstate to be closed for more than one hour.