Arlington Man Arrested After Spraying Fairfax Officers With Bear Spray, Police Say

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — An Arlington man is facing numerous charges after he led Fairfax County police on a chase and sprayed an officer with bear spray, according to authorities.

Rodney Johnson, 46, was arrested Friday and charged with assault on law enforcement, felony speeding to elude, child endangerment, possession of a narcotic and other counts following the incident, Fairfax County police said in a statement.

According to police, officers received an alert around 1:40 p.m. Friday that Johnson's car was spotted in Hybla Valley. Police said Johnson had previous warrants for his arrest for charges including robbery, larceny, driving without a license and hit-and-run.

When officers located Johnson's vehicle in the 8100 block of Richmond Highway and attempted a traffic stop, police said he fled.

With the assistance of the Virginia State Police, officers pursued Johnson, authorities said, eventually stopping the vehicle on northbound I-495 in Alexandria.

As officers issued commands, police said Johnson sprayed them with bear spray.

Johnson was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Two children who were found inside his vehicle were also exposed to the bear spray and transported to a local hospital as a precaution.

Multiple officers suffered minor injuries from the bear spray and were treated on scene.

Johnson is currently being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on no bond.

Officers are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Mount Vernon District Station at 703-360-8400. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).