SMITHFIELD, Va. (WAVY) — A suspect who police say tried to run an officer off the road during a chase will now face an attempted murder charge.
Jason Denson, 43, was indicted by a grand jury two weeks ago.
On May 15, Smithfield police say officers went to Denson’s home on Pinewood Drive. Denson had warrants out for assault and theft of his mom’s car.
When officers got there they made contact with Denson and there was some sort of confrontation.
Denson was able to break away and jumped into his mom’s car.
Smithfield officers chased Denson into Surry County.
Police say at some point on Route 10, Denson drove his car toward Officer James Phillips’ police cruiser.
Phillips had to use evasive maneuvers to avoid the oncoming car and almost crashed into a ditch. Police believe Denson was going 65 miles per hour at the time.
Denson was able to get away, but was arrested a couple days later.
He was then indicted on several charges in Isle of Wight, including assault and battery, assault on an officer and unauthorized use of a car.
He was also indicted in Surry County for attempted murder of Phillips.
10 On Your Side dug into Denson’s criminal history and found a lengthy rap sheet. There were guilty pleas for selling cocaine, writing bad checks and assault on officers.
He has twice been found guilty of eluding police.
Denson is being held without bond in the Western Tidewater Regional Jail.
