By Andrea Lannom
Register-Herald Reporter
BECKLEY —
A routine traffic stop turned into a 25-minute pursuit Friday morning after a Beckley man, stopped for reckless driving, fled on foot from city police, authorities said.
Cpl. Will Reynolds said the incident started on New River Drive around 3 a.m. when police stop-ped 43-year-old Walter Leach Jr.
Reynolds said when police approached the car, Leach got out and refused to get back in. Reynolds said Leach then led police on a foot pursuit.
“We lost him briefly at a fence, but our bloodhound Artie tracked him down to a house on Shepherd Street,” Reynolds said. Reynolds said he doesn’t know why Leach decided to run.
Leach was charged with obstruction and fleeing on foot, Reynolds said. More charges are pending.
