Norfolk Woman Charged for Wrong-Way U-Haul Drive on I-264, I-64 [NORFOLK, VA]

Norfolk Woman was charged with Wrong-Way U-Haul Drive after leading authorities on a dangerous high-speed pursuit across multiple interstates on Hampton Roads. The chase, which unfolded on Friday afternoon, involved a stolen U-Haul truck and reckless driving that put countless motorists at risk before ending in a dramatic crash.

High-Speed Pursuit Across Norfolk and Virginia Beach

The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) alerted Virginia State Police about a stolen 2015 GMC U-Haul truck spotted traveling westbound on I-264 near Birdneck Road. VBPD officers pursued the vehicle as it approached the Norfolk/Virginia Beach city line, prompting state troopers to join the chase near Military Highway.

Authorities identified the driver as 21-year-old Ashlynn Nichole Barnes, who appeared to be evading law enforcement. In a desperate attempt to flee, Barnes made a dangerous U-turn, driving on the eastbound shoulder of the westbound lanes of I-264. She then maneuvered through a cut-through to re-enter the correct lanes before merging onto I-64, where she drove into the reversible HOV lanes—against oncoming traffic.

Crash Ends Pursuit

Barnes’ reckless driving continued as she made another U-turn in the HOV lanes, re-entering I-64 eastbound before circling back onto I-264. As state troopers worked to stop her, she collided with a police vehicle attempting to block her path. She then re-entered the reversible lanes, but officers took decisive action by striking the U-Haul to disable it, ending the chase.

Barnes sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital for medical evaluation. Fortunately, no troopers or other motorists were injured during the incident.

Criminal Charges Filed

Following her arrest, Barnes was charged with:

Felony Hit & Run
Felony Eluding Police
Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
Grand Larceny
Multiple Traffic Violations

State police confirmed that despite the reckless nature of the pursuit, no other vehicles were directly involved in the crash.

Legal Consequences and Compensation for Victims

While no innocent drivers were harmed in this incident, wrong-way driving and reckless pursuits often lead to devastating accidents. Victims of such accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. If a victim sustains severe injuries or fatalities, legal claims can extend to long-term medical care or wrongful death lawsuits.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, determining liability can be complex in cases where law enforcement is involved. Victims may seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or pursue legal claims for negligence.

How Briet Law Attorneys Can Help

At Briet Law Attorneys, we understand the life-changing impact of reckless driving accidents. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. We conduct thorough investigations, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure maximum settlements.

It’s important to have experienced lawyers on your side when you lose a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 757-330-4108 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Breit Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance.