Bedford County man charged with leading pursuit that led to Carroll County deputy's death

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CARROLL COUNTY (WSLS 10) - A 21-year-old man faces multiple charges after the Carroll County Sheriff's Office says he led officers on a chase that ended up killing a deputy.

Shortly before 10 p.m., on Thursday, Carroll County Sheriff's Office Lt. W.R. Lyons attempted to stop a four-door sedan traveling south on Interstate 77 at the 18-mile marker in Carroll County.

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Radar registered the vehicle traveling 87 mph in the posted 65 mph zone, according to the sheriff's office.

Lyons activated his patrol vehicle's emergency lights, but the sedan refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The sedan continued south on I-77 and took Exit 14 to Route 58. The sedan headed west on Route 58 and then turned onto Airport Road.

Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Curtis Bartlett was responding to the pursuit, traveling on Route 58 with emergency lights and sirens activated when he collided with a tractor-trailer, according to state police.

The suspect's car continued through a field, struck a fence, and eventually made its way into the backyard of a nearby residential neighborhood where it finally stopped.

The driver, Joseph A. Lambert, of Goodview, then ran out of the car, but was apprehended moments later. Lambert was taken into custody without further incident.

He was taken into custody without further incident.

The car's two passengers, a man and woman, remained with the car and neither passenger was charged with any offense.

Lambert was charged with with one felony count of eluding police that results in the death of a police officer, possession of marijuana, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license. He was also wanted on outstanding warrants in the City of Salem, Va.

Lambert is being held at the New River Regional Jail without bond.

The pursuit remains under investigation by the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. Virginia State Police assisted with the pursuit.