Officers Arrest Wanted Man After Suspect Sprays Officers with Bear Spray

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Mount Vernon Police District – Officers from our Mount Vernon District Station arrested a wanted man after he fled following a License Plate Reader (LPR) alert in Hybla Valley.

On March 20 at 1:39 p.m., officers received an LPR alert associated with a vehicle connected to a man wanted on multiple felony warrants. Officers located the vehicle in the 8100 block of Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley and attempted a traffic stop. The driver fled, and a pursuit was initiated. The Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), our Fairfax 1 helicopter, and the Virginia State Police responded to assist.

During the pursuit, officers executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, stopping the vehicle on northbound I-495 in Alexandria. As officers issued commands, the driver, later identified as Rodney Johnson, 46, of Arlington, sprayed officers with bear spray.

Johnson was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Two juveniles who were located inside his vehicle were exposed to the bear spray and transported to a local hospital as a precaution. Multiple officers sustained minor injuries from the bear spray and were treated on scene.

Rodney Johnson

Johnson was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was served outstanding warrants for Robbery, six counts of Grand Larceny, three counts of Possession of Stolen Property with Intent to Sell, three counts of Conspiring to Commit Larceny, Petit Larceny, three felony Probation Violations, misdemeanor Probation Violation, Failure to Appear, Driving After Forfeiture of License, Felony Speed to Elude, three counts of Hit and Run, Felony Destruction of Property, Driving on a Revoked License, and Driving with No License Plate from other jurisdictions.

He was additionally charged with Felony Speed to Elude, five counts of Assault on Law Enforcement by Caustic Substance, two counts of Felony Child Endangerment, two counts of Possession of a Schedule I/II Narcotic, Obstruction of Justice with Force, and Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses. Johnson was held on no bond.

Officers are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call our Mount Vernon District Station at 703-360-8400. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web.

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