Fugitive Turns Gun On Self During Pursuit

A police chase in Rockbridge County on Saturday ended with the suspect’s death by suicide.

According to a press release from the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, an off-duty RCSO deputy spotted a wanted fugitive – Jaxon Jolley, 49, of Lynchburg – leaving the Lexington Tractor Supply store at approximately 4:45 p.m.

Jolley was wanted by the Lynchburg police on charges of domestic assault and battery and strangulation.

The deputy reported Jolley’s presence to the Rockbridge Regional Public Safety Communications Center and a broadcast was put out for local law enforcement to be on the lookout for Jolley.

An officer with the Lexington Police Department located Jolley traveling in his vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 11 North and Furrs Mill Road and attempted to stop him. Jolley fled down Furrs Mill Road with the officer in pursuit. Deputies from the sheriff’s office joined the chase, which ended when the vehicle came to a stop at the end of Hollow Rock Road.

Jolley then exited his vehicle and fled into the nearby woods, with deputies following on foot. During the chase, Jolley reached into a black bag that he was carrying and pulled out a weapon, which he then used on himself, according to the RCSO press release.

At the request of the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police will conduct an investigation of the incident.