VA Man Escapes Mental Hospital Goes On 8-Hour Crime Spree Spanning Several Counties

Chesterfield, Va., police apprehended a man in Prince George County linked to a crime spree that lasted more than eight hours and spanned several different counties.

Officers took Alphonso Johnson into custody around 2:00 am Saturday morning after he escaped the John Randolph Medical Center mental health facility in Hopewell.

Police say, Johnson assaulted a nurse and fled the facility. He then stole a truck which was later spotted at at James store, a gas station located on Harrowgate Road in Chester. There they say Johnson lay in wait for his next victim. He eventually carjacked a woman and took off in her white Dodge Neon.

Johnson was later spotted after State police joined the manhunt. A pursuit was initiated that lasted into the early morning hours. Johnson was taken into custody in Prince George County.

Chesterfield police say Johnson had outstanding warrants for burglary, and more charges will likely be following.

No other details leading up to Johnson’s capture were immediately available.

Police did not indicate if any injuries were sustained by anyone involved in the crime spree.

Police did not say why Johnson was admitted to the mental health facility.

Significant updates will be posted here.