The Portsmouth Police Department has charged a man in connection with an alleged attempted assault on a Virginia senator.

Sen. Louise Lucas, a Democrat who is mostly associated with Portsmouth but represents part of Suffolk, was the target of the alleged attempt, which happened on Tuesday, according to a Portsmouth press release.

James C. Taliaferro, 40, is charged with attempted murder and felony eluding. He also was charged with prior warrants for three counts of destruction of property and trespassing, the release stated.

The incident happened at 6:46 p.m. Tuesday, when police received a call to the 1500 block of High Street for a male who had attempted to run over a female in the parking lot, the release stated.

The victim was Lucas. Police “ascertained that the man who tried to strike her with his vehicle was a former employee of an organization she runs in the city,” the release stated.

The man had fled the scene before police arrived. Lucas declined medical treatment.

Just after 10 a.m. Wednesday, detectives took Taliaferro into custody after he allegedly led them on a brief pursuit into the city of Chesapeake, the release states.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Tipsters can also submit tips via the P3 Tips app in the Google Play and App stores or at www.portsmouthcrimeline.com. Tipsters never have to give their names or appear in court and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.