Off-duty DC police officer arrested after high-speed chase ends with crash in Virginia

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (WJLA) — An off-duty D.C. police officer was arrested late Wednesday night after leading a chase with Virginia State Police, officials said. Just before Midnight, a VSP trooper observed a Tesla traveling 95 mph in a 55 mph zone on Interstate 395 near the Arlington/Alexandria line. The state trooper reportedly activated his emergency equipment in an attempt to pull over the driver.

However, the Tesla driver, later identified as Peter W. McCauley, 25, refused to stop, police said. A pursuit then ensued.

McCauley exited the I-395 at Seminary Road and at the top of the exit ramp, he failed to stop for a red light and ultimately struck another car, according to VSP. The impact of the crash caused McCauley’s car to run off the road and strike the road barrier. The other car ran off the road as well, hitting the barrier and a light pole, police said.

McCauley and a 28-year-old female passenger were both reportedly transported to a nearby hospital. The woman was treated for minor injuries while McCauley was brought for evaluation of any injuries. The driver of the other car was also transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Police said she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Virginia State Police later discovered that McCauley was an officer with the Metropolitan Police Department since 2020. MPD was notified of the incident on Thursday and immediately revoked McCauley’s police powers and placed him on non-contact status, MPD said.

McCauley was charged with one felony count of eluding police.

The incident remains under investigation.