Driver in police pursuit crashes, airlifted to hospital

A police pursuit that started in Richmond this afternoon ended in a car crash and the driver being airlifted to a hospital, according to Richmond police.

An officer responded to a report of a stolen license plate around 1:30 p.m. and met with the victim in the area of West Cutting and Canal boulevards, said Lt. Andre Hill.

While the officer was speaking with the victim, the victim saw her personalized plate on the back of a white Ford Ranger that was driving by and said, “Hey, that’s my plate!” Hill said.

The officer relayed that information to the department’s dispatch and began pursuing the vehicle, which Hill said was occupied by two men.

The men did not stop for the officer and instead drove towards Interstate Highway 580.

Near the on-ramp at Canal Boulevard, Hill said the men struck a car, although the motorist was not injured.

The duo continued eastbound on Highway 580 but Hill said the driver lost control of the vehicle near Regatta Boulevard in Richmond and crashed into the center median.

Hill said the driver suffered moderate to major injuries and was airlifted to the John Muir Medical Center.

The passenger suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital, Hill said.

Hill said the driver was in possession of a firearm and a search of the vehicle revealed narcotics as well.

Criminal charges against the men are pending further investigation, Hill said.