Virginia State Police are still searching for 38-year-old Victor A. Caneza who was reportedly involved in two crashes and a police chase in Fairfax on Monday before making a getaway.
According to VSP, it was approximately 2:40 p.m. and troopers were working two accidents along Interstate 495 East near Eisenhower Ave when a third crash occurred involving two vehicles.
A trooper assigned to the third crash asked the two vehicles to move from the left to the right shoulder as authorities attempted to consolidate all the crash scenes. That trooper also reportedly told the drivers to remain in their vehicles.
Although both drivers complied, VSP said shortly afterward, Caneza drove off at a high rate of speed and a police chase began.
Less than a mile from the original crash scene, Caneza was allegedly involved in a second crash. At that point, VSP said he abandoned the vehicle, ran across the east and west lanes of I-495, and went into the woods. He reportedly found a drainage area under the interstate that allowed him to return to the eastbound side.
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VSP said troopers then witnessed Caneza crawling through a smaller drainage pipe. He allegedly ignored commands given in English and Spanish, and the pipe narrowed to an 18-inch diameter, making it difficult for troopers to continue pursuing him, VSP stated.
Troopers were stationed at drain covers in the area believed to be possible exits. And a Fairfax County Police drone was sent into the drainpipe, but experienced signal interference, VSP reported.
Three hours later, troopers found a drainpipe opening nearly three blocks (1/4 mile) from where Caneza allegedly entered, and a witness reported seeing someone come out of the manhole 30 minutes before police arrived.
On January 6, VSP announced Caneza was being charged with felony hit and run and felony eluding.
Today, January 8, VSP announced filing a series of additional charges, including misdemeanor eluding, driving without an operator’s license, providing false identification to law enforcement, no state vehicle inspection, improper vehicle registration, expired state vehicle registration, and driving with an open container.
The search remains underway for Caneza who is described as a Hispanic male. VSP is asking anyone with information about him to contact Division 7 dispatch at 804-750-8798 or email Virginia State Police at [email protected].
