Suspect killed in deadly IOW crash ID'd

ISLE OF WIGHT, Va. (WAVY) - A 21-year-old man Virginia State Police say led troopers on a deadly chase through Isle of Wight County early Sunday morning has been identified.

Sgt. J. Singleton Virginia State Police told WAVY.com an officer originally tried to stop a vehicle around 12:48 a.m. for speeding along Rainbow Road, but the driver would not pull over.

A chase ensued, however, the officer had to back off when the pursuit reached dangerous speeds.

According to Singleton, troopers located the same vehicle a short time later after it crashed into a tree and burst into flames.

State police say the male driver, identified as John Reid Laxton of Portsmouth, was alive but suffering from severe burns at the scene. Despite the efforts to pull Laxton from the vehicle, he perished inside the burning car.

Laxton was the only person inside the car at the time of the crash, Singleton said. Laxton reportedly had no driving record and was not wanted on any outstanding warrants.

Troopers are still unsure why Laxton wouldn't stop.

The crash is being investigated by Virginia State Police.