Fugitive leads police on a chase from West Virginia to Bland County

Odyssey Fields
·1 min read

BLAND COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — The Bland County Sheriff’s Office says a man is in custody after he allegedly led authorities on a chase from West Virginia into the county on Tuesday.

According to the Bluefield Virginia Police Department, on April 9 around 5:15 p.m., officers in Bluefield were notified that Jacob Akers, who was wanted on several warrants, was spotted at a Walmart. When police responded to the scene, they made contact with Akers and attempted to detain him.

However, Bluefield police said Akers resisted and was able to break away from the officer and get into a blue minivan. That’s when a passenger exited the van and fell as Akers was pulling away from the scene.

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The police department says the passenger was taken into custody and a second officer responded to the scene and began pursuing the van.

The chase continued onto Maryland Avenue in Bluefield, West Virginia, where a second passenger exited the van. From there, Akers allegedly led officers into Bluefield, Virginia, and in Bland County down Kimberling Road.

However, the pursuit continued on Sulphur Springs Road, where police decided to terminate the chase.

As authorities canvassed the area, Bland County deputies and Bluefield officers located the van abandoned on Sulpher Springs Road, but Akers was not found.

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On April 10, deputies took Akers into custody on existing warrants and the following charges from the Bluefield Virginia Police Department:

  • Abduction

  • Assault on a LE officer

  • Fleeing from LE

  • Reckless Driving

  • Unauthorized Use

  • Disregard LE

  • Disorderly Conduct

  • Trespassing

  • Driving Revoked

WFXR News will update this story as more information is released.

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