WINDSOR
A Newport News man charged with a hit and run on Monday in the Windsor area has been identified as Joel Donte Futrell. Sgt. Michelle Anaya, spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police, said warrants have been obtained for the 23-year-old suspect.

Futrell, whose address is in the 500 block of Camertree Way, has also been charged with driving while suspended, felony elude, grand larceny, reckless driving and speeding.

At about 5:18 p.m., Anaya said, a Virginia State Trooper had started a traffic stop on westbound Route 460 at Route 600 for 2007 Lexus that was speeding at 74 mph in a 55 mph zone. During the stop, the officer learned that Futrell was wanted by Hampton Police. But on making his approach for the arrest, the driver took off with the trooper in pursuit.

The chase went east on 460 near Windsor when the Lexus crashed into an Acrua SUV, which had slowed for traffic in the area in front of the Post Office. Futrell ran to a nearby wrecker company where he took a rollback tow truck and continued east on Route 460. The chase was stopped in order to help the Acura’s driver, who suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

First Sgt. R.D. Riddle, interim police chief in Windsor, said that his officers assisted in the incident.

State Police notified surrounding jurisdictions to be on alert for the stolen rollback tow truck, red in color, which has the wording “Hardy’s Towing” on the side.

During the pursuit, the trooper — in an attempt to slow down and avoid a collision with a slowing vehicle — hit another vehicle on Route 460, said Anaya. She added that the damage was minimal, and both the trooper and driver were uninjured.

Anyone with information regarding the stolen wrecker or the whereabouts of Futrell, are encouraged to call Virginia State Police at 757-424-6800.