High-Speed Pursuit from Lewis to Harrison County and into Bridgeport Ends with Disabled Vehicle, Arrest

FROM THE LEWIS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

On Nov. 2, 2025, approximately 1:54 a.m., a deputy from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a black Kia Forte that was left of Center in Weston, but the driver fled, navigating the wrong way through local streets before merging onto U.S. Route 44 and eventually Interstate 79, reaching speeds of 105 miles per hour.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office deployed spike strip, which led the driver to swerve into the median and then dangerously cross back into the northbound lane, accelerating past 115 miles per hour. At the 119-mile marker, a Clarksburg Police officer managed to spike the passenger side tire, yet the driver persisted at speeds of 85 to 90 miles per hour.

As the pursuit continued, the driver existed at the Meadowbrook Mall exit, narrowly avoiding a crash into a sign and ran a red light while turning onto Meadowbrook Road. Despite losing his tire and dropping to 60 and 65 miles per hour, he continued.

The vehicle’s instability intensified as he approached an S turn near the Meadowfill Landfill, causing him to lose control with oncoming traffic. The chase concluded when the driver attempted to turn onto Dunnam Lane, where he crashed into a grounded power box, immobilizing the vehicle.

The driver was identified as 29-year-old Francisco Sanchez from Pittsburgh. Sanchez was taken into custody and transported to the North Central Regional Jail.

Further charges are pending in Lewis County.

Along with Lewis County, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Clarksburg Police Department, West Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police assisted in the pursuit.

Editor’s Note: Bridgeport Police Chief Mark Rogers said city police were prepared to assist, but were not needed.