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Police: Driver dead after high speed crash in Midlothian

Posted at 11:33 AM, Mar 30, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-31 08:31:20-04

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - The Virginia State Police have arrested a Richmond man following a crash at the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Moorefield Park Drive Friday night.  A 73-year-old man from Midlothian, whose car was hit by the suspect's vehicle, has died from his injuries, according to police.

A spokesperson with VSP says 23-year-old Karon Porter was charged with 15 different felonies and misdemeanors in connection to the wreck, and more charges could be coming.

Around 6:40 p.m. on Friday, state troopers tried to pull over a 2002 GMC SUV for an equipment violation on the Powhite Parkway, just before the toll booth at the Midlothian Turnpike exit.  Troopers say they lost sight of the vehicle, but spotted it later when the SUV sideswiped two vehicles, ran a red light, and hit a 2003 Infiniti crossing the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Moorefield Park Drive.

Porter, who police identified as the driver of the SUV, ran away on foot and unsuccessfully attempted to carjack a woman parked at a nearby business.  The victim did not suffer any injuries and was able to drive away.

Chesterfield Police took Porter into custody a short time after the incident.

The driver of the Infiniti, who was transported to VCU Medical Center with serious injuries, has died.  Police identified the driver as 73-year-old George M. Van Orden.  The occupants in the other two vehicles did not suffer any injuries.

Porter suffered some minor injuries and was taken to Johnston Willis Hospital.

Sergeant Thomas Molnar tells CBS 6 that Porter faces 15 charges, including felony and misdemeanor eluding police, obstruction of justice, attempted carjacking, two counts of maiming another while driving under the influence, felony hit and run, two counts misdemeanor hit and run, D.U.I., refusal to give a blood or breath test, driving while suspended, disregarding a traffic light, defective equipment and failure to wear a safety belt.

Porter is being held without bond pending his arraignment on Monday in the Chesterfield County General District Court.

The Virginia State Police are consulting with the Chesterfield County Commonwealth's Attorney Office on additional charges.

Stay tuned to CBS 6 and WTVR.com for more on this story.