Woman Crashes into Troopers While Fleeing with Baby [CHESAPEAKE, VA]

Woman crashes into troopers while fleeing with baby—a shocking incident that unfolded on Saturday, April 12, has raised serious concerns about public safety, law enforcement risks, and child endangerment. The chaos began just after 2:30 p.m. when Chesapeake Police received a call about a vehicle pursuit that had started earlier in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Authorities say the suspect, 53-year-old Heather Barrington of Chesapeake, struck a deputy’s vehicle in Elizabeth City County before crossing into Virginia. As she entered Chesapeake, local police joined the pursuit and deployed spike strips in an attempt to stop her 2011 Lexus. Despite their efforts, Barrington continued onto Interstate 64, evading multiple officers and endangering lives along the way.

Virginia State Police (VSP) troopers quickly joined the pursuit, attempting to intercept the vehicle. In a dangerous turn of events, Barrington’s car rammed into three VSP patrol vehicles, causing one cruiser to crash and deploy its airbags. One trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received medical attention. Eventually, the vehicle was brought to a halt near the Indian River Road exit on I-64.

At the time of the crash, a small female infant was inside the suspect’s vehicle, secured in a child safety seat. The baby was transported to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters for evaluation. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported for the child. Barrington was uninjured and taken into custody at the scene.

According to Virginia State Police, Barrington was believed to be under the influence during the incident. She now faces a lengthy list of serious charges, including eluding police, three counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, child endangerment, destruction of state property, felony hit and run, reckless driving, and more. Additional charges include improper passing, unsafe lane changes, smoking in a vehicle with an infant, and failure to properly restrain a child.

What Compensation Is at Stake for the Victims?

In high-speed chases like this, law enforcement officers and civilians alike face real and lasting harm. The injured trooper may be eligible for compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation. Additionally, damage to government property—including patrol vehicles—is a financial burden that stems directly from the reckless actions of the driver.

If any civilians were affected by the chase or crash—such as nearby drivers or pedestrians—they may also be entitled to pursue compensation for their injuries, emotional trauma, or property damage. In cases involving child endangerment, families may seek damages for both physical and emotional harm caused to a minor.

How Briet Law Attorneys Can Help

At Briet Law, we understand the trauma victims experience after being involved in a serious crash—especially one caused by reckless or impaired drivers. Our experienced attorneys stand ready to fight for your right to full and fair compensation. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer hurt in the line of duty or a civilian affected by this incident, we can guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.

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. 

SOURCE: WTKR