Driver charged after police chase from Henrico ends with James River jump near Rocketts Landing

RICHMOND, Va. — A man led police on a chase from eastern Henrico County to downtown Richmond Saturday afternoon, sideswiping multiple cars before jumping into the James River to flee officers — only to be pulled out and arrested, Crime Insider sources and witnesses told Burkett.

The chase began around 2:15 p.m. after police tried to stop Carlo Nevelle Johnson. Police said he was driving a stolen SUV at Nine Mile Road and Gordon Lane in eastern Henrico County. The driver took off, and the pursuit wound through the city before ending near Rocketts Landing off East Main Street in downtown Richmond.

Johnson allegedly sideswiped multiple cars on Main Street near Nicholson Street before crashing the stolen SUV. Witnesses counted at least six to seven vehicles damaged in the collision.

"Her car is totaled. It's not drivable," Mika Ellaray said of a vehicle struck in the crash.

After the crash, the suspect got out of the SUV and ran toward the James River, jumping in to escape police. Richmond Fire and Henrico Police both launched boats to respond.

Ellaray, who was in town from Delaware for a wedding, witnessed the chase and its aftermath. She said the last thing she expected was to be caught up in a police pursuit and crash — and that the ordeal threatened to make her late.

Ellaray followed the suspect to the river and photographed him being pulled from the water to make sure she had everything documented.

"I got a picture of the guy getting out of the water," Ellaray said. "And when he got out, he started trash talking and calling me names. Called me the B-word of course and all kinds of things," Ellaray said.

Johnson was taken into custody and is facing a slew of charges, including disregarding or eluding law enforcement, unauthorized use of a vehicle, grand larceny of a firearm and assault and battery of a family member.

This is a developing story, so check back with WTVR.com for updates. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have info, photos or videos to share.