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A 46-year-old man wanted on multiple felony charges was arrested Friday after a police chase that ended on the Capital Beltway in Alexandria, where officers say he sprayed them with bear repellent.
Fairfax County police identified the man as Rodney Johnson. An officer using a license plate reader spotted his car Friday afternoon in the 8100 block of Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley, according to police. Johnson already had several outstanding arrest warrants.
Police said Johnson fled when officers attempted a traffic stop. The pursuit ended on the Beltway’s Inner Loop after an officer used a maneuver to disable his car.
As officers moved to take Johnson into custody, he allegedly sprayed them with bear spray. Several officers were treated at the scene for exposure and other injuries.
Two juveniles who were inside the car were also exposed and taken to a nearby hospital. Johnson was hospitalized with minor injuries before being transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.
At the jail, Johnson was served with outstanding warrants that included robbery, assault on law enforcement and possession of stolen property, along with other charges.
Anyone with information about the incident may call the Mount Vernon District Station at 703-360-8400. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Solvers online or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).