Wytheville woman charged with attempted capital murder following hit-and-run of trooper vehicle

Kate Villoch (Wytheville Police Department) (WSLS)

WYTHEVILLE, Va. – A Wytheville woman is facing charges after police said she rammed her vehicle into a state police trooper’s vehicle before speeding away.

According to Wytheville Police, officers were dispatched to the Walmart in Wytheville Wednesday in reference to a person who had attempted to break into the gun display case.

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We’re told upon the officers’ arrival, the suspect left the store. Using video footage from the Walmart, police were able to a description of the suspect and vehicle, which was passed along to area law enforcement.

On Thursday at 10:26 a.m., Virginia State Police located the vehicle and the driver. We’re told a state police trooper attempted to stop the vehicle on Monroe Street in Wytheville, when the driver rammed the trooper vehicle and drove off.

According to VSP, the trooper was struck during the incident, but was not injured.

Both Wytheville Police and Virginia State Police searched the surrounding area, when a Wytheville Police Detective located the vehicle in a residential neighborhood, close to the Wythe County Community Hospital.

A pursuit ensued on West Ridge Road before the suspect made a turn onto Petunia Road, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into an embankment.

Police said after a short standoff, the suspect surrendered to police. We’re told she slipped through her handcuffs in an attempt to escape, but was quickly taken back into custody.

Kate Villoch, 27, of Wytheville is facing the following charges from Wytheville Police:

  • Felony; eluding police

And the following misdemeanor charges:

  • Escape without force
  • Drive suspended
  • Reckless driving fail to maintain control
  • Reckless driving endanger life
  • Destroy property less than $1,000

Villoch is facing the following charges from Virginia State Police:

  • Attempted capital murder
  • Destruction of property
  • Felony hit and run

Villoch was committed to the New River Valley Regional Jail, to be held without bail.


About the Author

Lauren Helkowski joined WSLS 10’s digital team in August 2022, but has held a passion for storytelling long before.

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