New Jersey man arrested after crashing stolen vehicle on I-77

Virginia State Police arrested a New Jersey man after he crashed the stolen vehicle he was driving on Interstate 77 Monday (July 16, 2018) in Bland County.

The incident began at approximately 5 p.m. when a 2003 Toyota Corolla traveling north on I-77 changed lanes and collided at the 66 mile marker with a northbound tractor-trailer. The impact of the crash caused the Toyota to run off the left side of the interstate and into the median. Meanwhile, the tractor-trailer pulled off on the right shoulder. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the crash.

The driver of the Corolla, Josh D. Hickman, 30, fled the scene on foot.

Responding to the scene to assist with the search for the missing driver were Virginia State Police Aviation, two Tactical Team members, and K9 team, Trooper Cameron Keesling and his bloodhound, Jackson. Jackson tracked Hickman for roughly two miles from the crash scene to where he was hiding under a bridge near Exit 64 on I-77. At approximately 6:45 p.m., troopers took Hickman into custody without further incident.

Further investigation revealed the Corolla had been reported stolen earlier that same morning in Ohio.

State police charged Hickman with one felony count of hit and run and for possession of stolen property. He was also wanted by New Jersey authorities. Hickman was transported to the New River Valley Regional Jail.