UPDATE: New Jersey man charged in connection with Marion crash

A New Jersey man is in custody following a high-speed pursuit and crash in Smyth County. According to Virginia State Police, Joel German, 27, is reportedly the person responsible for crashing into the historic “Happy’s” building in the Town of Marion, which led to its demolition on Monday.

An incident report says the pursuit began on Interstate 81 near Exit 47, when a trooper clocked German going 147 mph in a 70 mph zone. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, and German fled at a high rate of speed into Marion. Police suspended the pursuit once in town for the safety of other drivers, and German eventually lost control and crashed into the building on North Main Street. Joel German is charged with reckless driving, failure to maintain control of a vehicle, and failure to wear a seat belt.

(Image: Town of Marion, VA)