Last Updated on April 20, 2026 10:00 am
A dangerous high-speed pursuit through West Jefferson and Jefferson ended with a federal fugitive in custody Friday evening after a West Jefferson police officer used his patrol vehicle to stop the fleeing suspect.
According to the Ashe County Sheriff's Office, the pursuit began near Woodstown Road and Highway 221 as deputies attempted to locate a federal fugitive. When deputies activated their blue lights and sirens, the driver of a white Chevrolet 3500 Duramax — identified as Jason Benfield — initially slowed, then fled at speeds well over 100 mph through West Jefferson and Jefferson.
The West Jefferson Police Department joined the chase after Benfield narrowly made it through the light at Highway 221 and 163. Jefferson Police Department also joined the pursuit as Benfield was clocked at over 120 miles per hour through Jefferson.
The pursuit ended when a West Jefferson officer positioned his patrol vehicle in front of the suspect. As Benfield turned left on Highway 221 from the corner market, the officer pulled in front of the vehicle. Benfield rammed the patrol car, and deputies were able to pin his vehicle between their units and place him under arrest.
The Ashe County Sheriff's Office noted that no innocent lives were lost or injured during the incident, crediting the decisive action of the West Jefferson officer for likely preventing a tragic outcome.
Benfield is in custody. He will be transported to the hospital before being booked into the Ashe County Detention Facility and later transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
