Two charged after chase, crash

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - A police pursuit through Portsmouth Wednesday ended with the suspect vehicle slamming into the side of a building. Now two people are under arrest.

According to police spokeswoman Jan Clark, an officer attempted to stop a white Lexus shortly before 2 p.m. when they noticed a male wanted on several outstanding juvenile charges.

The driver continued east on High Street instead of stopping, Clark said. At one point he made a failed right turn and hit the side of the Hampton Roads Communication Technology building.

Clark said the driver and a passenger attempted to run but were apprehended. The driver, identified as 18-year-old Taquan Deontray Harper of Portsmouth was arrested on the outstanding charges related to burglary. He has also been charged with driving without a license, hit and run and eluding police.

The passenger, identified as Esshawnda Valvetta Smith, 19, of Portsmouth was wanted on outstanding charges of burglary, grand larceny, possession of stolen property, obtaining money by false pretenses and destruction of property.