Police searching for armed teenager in Roanoke County chase, crash

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ROANOKE CO. (WSLS 10) - Virginia State Police are searching for a 15-year-old driver who led troopers on a chase before crashing on Route 220 Wednesday night.

According to State Police, around 9:04 p.m. Trooper C.N. Lynch noticed a 2001 white Chevrolet Impala traveling north on Route 220 in Boones Mill at a speed of 67 mph in a 45 mph zone. As the trooper tried to stop the car, the driver sped away. The trooper followed as the Impala continued to drive recklessly. Just after the car crossed into Roanoke County, the driver lost control and hit a 1992 Honda Accord. The Impala then ran off the road, flipped and caught fire.

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The 1992 Honda Accord was driven by Aaron Lee Chance, 23, of Boones Mill.  Chance was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured.

There were four passengers in the Impala; Allen Wayne Wright, 19, of Wirtz, Amber Marie Smith, 18, of Roanoke, Kevin Rashawn Townes, 18, of Rocky Mount and a 17 year old male juvenile.  All the passengers were transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for injuries from the crash.

The 15-year-old driver fled the scene on foot. He's believed to be armed with a small handgun, but investigators do not believe he is a threat to the public. The teen was wearing a black sweatshirt and blue jeans, but was not wearing shoes.

The Virginia State Police used police K-9's and Virginia State Police Aviation to search for the teen. The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team and the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation were also called to help, but the teams were unable to find the driver Wednesday night.

The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the 15-year-old is asked to call State Police Dispatch at 1-800-542-5959.