May 8th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

On 05/07/2019 Tfc. Smith was operating radar on westbound I-68 at the 12 mile marker. He observed a white Mercury Sable westbound at a high rate of speed. Smith obtained a speed of 104 mph in a 70 mph zone. Tfc. Smith attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle failed to stop and maintained its speed and led troopers on a chase. Tfc. Smith relayed the vehicle license number to the McHenry Barrack via radio. The registration revealed the vehicle was stolen out of Moorefield, WV. The vehicle subsequently exited 1-68 at exit 4. The vehicle continued on rural roads. The vehicle subsequently traveled off of the left shoulder of Old Morgantown Rd West, Friendsville, MD., struck a utility pole and a residence. The operator fled into the adjacent woods. The passenger was apprehended and flown to Western Maryland Health System for treatment of his injuries. The operator was located in the woods adjacent to the suspect vehicle at 1804 hours by canine and other troopers on scene. The operator was identified as Justen Smith, W/M, age 21 of Moorefield, WV. He was subsequently transported to Western Maryland Health System by Garrett County EMS for treatment of his injuries. Smith was charged with theft $1,500-$25,000, unlawful removal of motor vehicle and numerous traffic violations. The juvenile will be charged through juvenile services