Driver leads police on hourlong chase through D.C. area

WASHINGTON – A driver is in police custody after leading police on a nearly hourlong chase that spanned multiple jurisdictions Friday afternoon.

The chase began on the Suitland Parkway at about 2 p.m. when a U.S. Park Police officer witnessed the driver of a gold Lexus shoot at another vehicle on the roadway.

The officer began chasing the driver of the gold Lexus. The chase when through D.C., Maryland and Virginia and included the Capital Beltway, says Lt. Alan Griffith with the U.S. Park Police.

During the chase, officers said they saw the driver throw a hand gun from the vehicle near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Police have the gun, Griffith says.

The chase ended at about 2:50 p.m. on southbound I-295 before the Beltway.

The driver was identified as Leon Strom, 30, of D.C. He was charged with fleeing to elude police, a felony, plus various other traffic-related charges. He was the only person inside the Lexus, according to Park Police.

At one point during the chase, two police cruisers collided. No officers or civilians sustained injuries during the chase.

D.C. police and other agencies helped with the chase.

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