CHESTERFIELD, Va. -- A reckless driver led Chesterfield County police on a low-speed chase through the Woodlake area of Midlothian on Tuesday night. The driver crashed at Woodlake Village Parkway into a Dominion Virginia Power transformer causing 1,140 people in that area to lose power for about two hours.
According to police, when the driver, a male, crashed into the transformer just after 6 p.m. after being spotted on Route 360 driving erratically and running red lights by an off-duty Amelia sheriff's deputy.
"He'd speed up to 50 and drop to 20 miles per hour, driving erratically and crossing into oncoming traffic; he wrecked at Candlewick Court -- taking out power transformer and trees," said Lt. Jack Kilcomons.
Chesterfield County Police were called and a low-speed chase ensued until the driver crashed into the transformer. When the driver's truck struck the power box, it ignited a flash, police say. Police have cordoned off the accident scene due to exposed live wires.
The driver was taken to Chippenham Hospital for, what police are calling, "a medical emergency," but he does not have life-threatening injuries.
