Suffolk man jumps off JRB to avoid arrest, police say

Published 9:58 am Monday, January 22, 2024

By Staff Reports

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Police say a Suffolk man fleeing arrest jumped off the James River Bridge Monday morning to avoid capture.

According to VSP, a DMV special agent observed a 2021 Hyundai sedan driving recklessly in the northbound lanes of the James River Bridge (JRB). The DMV agent attempted to stop the vehicle, but Golden refused to stop. Vehicles were stopped in the lanes of travel due to a bridge lift as this was unfolding. Golden struck three vehicles in an attempt to flee the agent. A 2022 Toyota RAV4 was sideswiped, and a 2018 Dodge Charger & 2019 Ford Fusion were struck in the rear. Upon hitting these vehicles, the DMV agent said Golden exited the vehicle and jumped off the south side of the JRB to avoid apprehension. The drivers of the other vehicles involved were not injured in the crash.
Golden has been charged with reckless driving for the crash, and the DMV agent is expected to take charges out for the eluding.

According to Virginia State Police, a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles officer saw a black sedan driving recklessly strike another vehicle on the bridge at approximately 8:45 a.m. The sedan’s driver, identified as 29-year-old Kelly Golden of Suffolk, allegedly fled the scene on foot and, as he approached the drawbridge that connects Newport News with Isle of Wight County, saw a State Police car in the lane and jumped off the south side of the bridge into the river.

Golden survived the fall and drifted north in the water until a civilian vessel located him and pulled him to safety. Golden was transported to Riverside Regional Medical Center, where Newport News Police are waiting to arrest him upon his release. Golden is wanted for a felony probation violation.

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A total of four vehicles were involved in the crash. Only property damage and no injuries have been reported. Vehicles, as of just after 10 a.m., were still being moved off the bridge to reopen travel lanes.

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