Man pursued by Richmond police had earlier reckless-driving charge

A man pursued in a high-speed chase by Richmond police Monday had been charged in July with his fifth offense of driving without a license and reckless driving, court records show.

Meanwhile, Richmond police spokeswoman Karla E. Peters declined Tuesday to say whether the pursuit in heavy traffic along Nine Mile Road in Henrico County was justified or is under investigation.

The pursuit began on Ralph Boulevard in the city after police were called to investigate a fight, Richmond police said.

The chase extended for about 3 miles and ended about 4 p.m. when the pursued vehicle slammed into the rear of another car at Newbridge Road in front of New Bridge Middle School.

"I'm still shaking from fear over what happened. This all ended right in front of a school and was a huge danger," said Sandston resident Sherrie Conley, who was traveling east on Nine Mile Road when the crash occurred.

Richmond police said Chase Maurice Williams, 19, of the 400 block of Jerald Street in Highland Springs has been served with a felony warrant charging eluding police, reckless driving and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. In Henrico, Williams faces charges of hit and run.

Williams and the driver of the second car were hospitalized Tuesday for observation, Henrico police said.

The charges against Williams in the July 22 traffic stop in Henrico are scheduled to be heard Oct. 29, according to court records.

Williams' mother, LaVern Williams, said Tuesday that when she arrived at the crash site, she found several Richmond police officers reviewing a videotape of the chase.

"They were saying that they would send it to YouTube and that they were going as fast as 90 miles per hour," she said.

Richmond police declined to comment other than to identify Williams as the driver and the charges.

Contact Bill McKelway at (804) 649-6601 or .