Police in Newport News are searching for a suspect after he fled a traffic stop, caused an accident and seriously injured a passenger

NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia – Police are searching for a suspicious driver who fled from police early Wednesday and crashed into a utility pole, injuring a passenger.

According to Virginia State Police, at about 1:50 a.m., a trooper saw a Chevrolet Impala disregard a stop sign in Newport News. The trooper activated the hazard lights and siren to stop traffic, then the Impala began to flee at a high rate of speed.

Moments later, the Impala left the road and struck a utility pole at the intersection of J. Clyde Boulevard and Warwick Boulevard.

The male driver then fled on foot. A man who was riding in the vehicle was taken to Riverside Regional Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

State police and Newport News police have set up a no-go zone to search for the suspect, but he has not been found.

Anyone with information about the driver is asked to call 804-750-8788 or email Virginia State Police at [email protected].