Kanawha County, WV – A high-speed pursuit on Elk River Road North early Thursday morning ended with spike strips, a crash, and one arrest, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say the chase began around 4:30 a.m. on November 13, 2025, after an attempted traffic stop involving a black Ford Mustang in Clendenin.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver refused to comply and sped away, reportedly reaching speeds up to 115 mph. Deputies with the Field Operations C Shift deployed spike strips, deflating two of the vehicle’s tires and forcing it off the roadway in the Mountaineer Heights Drive area of Pinch. The suspect allegedly fled on foot but was quickly taken into custody.
Deputies identified the driver as James Howard Stump II, who was charged with felony fleeing with reckless indifference. His bond was set at $5,000 cash, officials said.
Further investigation revealed Stump’s West Virginia driver’s license had been revoked for multiple infractions, and the Mustang’s registration was improper, belonging instead to a 2007 Chrysler.
Anyone arrested is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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