Police searching for man who fired shots at officers during 'high-speed' pursuit
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SMYTH COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) — A man wanted after allegedly shooting at officers during a pursuit in Bristol, Virginia was arrested on Friday after a separate pursuit in Smyth County.

According to Smyth County Sheriff Chip Shuler, deputies spotted Elihu Martin, 46, in a stolen 2016 Chevrolet Pickup in the Atkins area just after 3 a.m.

Martin reportedly led deputies and Virginia State Police (VSP) on a several-mile pursuit through Nicks Creek Road, Sugar Grove, Troutdale and Konnarock.

Shuler stated that Martin fired a shotgun toward deputies during the pursuit.

The tires on the stolen vehicle were spiked by law enforcement, resulting in the vehicle crashing on Whitetop Road in Chilhowie.

Martin has been charged in Smyth County with the following:

  • Attempted capital murder
  • Elude police
  • Use/display of a firearm
  • Possess/transport a firearm by a felon
  • Receive stolen goods
  • Reckless handle of a firearm
  • Identity fraud x4

Martin was originally wanted by the Virginia State Police and Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office for attempted manslaughter and other felony charges.

On Dec. 31, Martin allegedly fired a gun at officers in Bristol, Virginia and eventually eluded law enforcement in the Denton Valley Road area of Sullivan County.

As of Friday, Martin is being held without bond in the Abingdon Regional Jail. An arraignment in Smyth and Washington County courts is pending.

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