Man Arrested in Martinsville Car Chase and Officer-Involved Shooting

A Martinsville man, Jonathan Easter, has been charged with felony elude and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after an officer-involved shooting. Easter, who had outstanding warrants, exited a vehicle with an AR-15 style rifle during a traffic stop and fled on foot before stealing a truck. He collided head-on with a pursuing officer's vehicle, causing minor injuries, and the officer fired shots through his windshield, but Easter was not hit. Easter was subsequently taken into custody and is being held without bond. The incident is under investigation by the Virginia State Police with assistance from the Henry County Sheriff's Office.