BY TRACY AGNEW/SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD
tracy.agnew@suffolk news-herald.com

SUFFOLK—A Suffolk man died after losing control of his car following a police pursuit Wednesday night.

Wesley Gardner Allen, 35, was pronounced dead at the scene following the single-vehicle accident on White Marsh Road, said city spokeswoman Debbie George.

At about 11:15, a police officer saw Allen driving a red Ford F-350 pickup on East Washington Street. Knowing Allen was wanted by Western Tidewater Regional Jail for escaping from house arrest, the officer followed him onto White Marsh Road and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

Allen continued southbound for less than a mile at about 25 miles per hour, George said. Allen then “accelerated significantly,” George said. The officer cut off lights and sirens, but continued down White Marsh Road in the same direction as the suspect, she said.

When the officer approached the 1800 block of White Marsh Road, he discovered the suspect’s vehicle in the roadway. Allen had apparently lost control in a curve and struck a tree, George said.

All police pursuits are reviewed internally, whether or not they end in a crash, George said. No disciplinary action has been taken against the officer.

Allen pleaded guilty to conspiracy, forgery and uttering in June 2007, according to court records.