Police: Pennsylvania Man charged in Sunday morning police chase, standoff in Smyth County, VA

A Pennsylvania man is behind bars in Southwest Virginia after allegedly fleeing from authorities and making threats to law enforcement.

According to the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was working in a construction zone on Interstate 81 Sunday morning just after midnight, when a truck went through a high rate of speed. The driver of the vehicle, Francis Edward Ney III, 35, refused to stop, causing a pursuit that stretched off the interstate and ended in a field. Police say a standoff ensued and Ney reportedly made multiple threats that he had a firearm.

He was then taken into custody and is facing nearly ten charges including grand larceny and felony eluding. Virginia State Police and the Marion, VA Police Department also assisted during the incident.