Police chase ends in fatal crash leaving car a total loss

Last week in Norfolk, 45-year-old Santonio Lee was killed in a reported exchange of gunfire with Norfolk Police. The violence began with a high-speed chase that ended on Terminal Boulevard near Virginia International Terminals. Lee, who had been released from prison in January, was wanted on several outstanding charges in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The wreckage of the 2021 Nissan Altima Lee was driving now sits in a graveyard of heavily damaged vehicles, with bullet holes and extensive damage telling the tale of his last moments.

The car was owned by Jessica C., Lee’s girlfriend, who has been left with many questions about why the police chose to launch a high-risk effort to arrest Lee. She wonders why they didn’t simply serve the arrest warrant at her home, where Lee was living. After the Nissan crashed into a ditch, video captured by passersby showed Lee crawling from his car as officers fired about 10 shots. Lee was then dragged away and taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The incident is currently under investigation by Virginia State Police.

Jessica C. has reviewed the damage to the car and noted four gunshot holes in the trunk, a bullet hole through the headrest, and two bullet holes on the driver’s side. She is left to wonder about the circumstances of the chase and the use of gunfire in Lee’s arrest. Lee’s funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at a Norfolk church, leaving family and loved ones to mourn his loss and seek answers to their questions.

The dramatic events of the chase and its violent end have left the community in shock and prompted calls for answers from both Lee’s family and the public at large. The entire incident, including the chase, exchange of gunfire, and Lee’s death, is being investigated by authorities to determine if proper procedures were followed and if the use of force was justified. The community is waiting for the investigation to provide clarity on the events leading up to Lee’s death and to address any concerns or questions that have arisen.

Norfolk Police are facing scrutiny and criticism for their handling of the situation, especially in light of the questions raised by Jessica C. and others about the events of that fateful day. The use of force by law enforcement officers, especially in situations involving high-speed chases and exchanges of gunfire, is a topic of ongoing debate and concern within the community. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will need to provide transparency and accountability to address the concerns of the public and ensure that similar incidents are handled appropriately in the future.

As the community awaits answers and closure in the aftermath of Santonio Lee’s death, there is a renewed focus on the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement actions. The tragic events that unfolded during the chase and arrest have raised important questions about police procedures and the use of force in similar situations. Lee’s family, loved ones, and the broader community are hoping that the investigation will provide clarity and accountability in order to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.