LYNCHBURG, Va. (WFXR) — A Lynchburg Jury found a man guilty of multiple felonies after leading officers on a high-speed chase in March.
According to the City of Lynchburg Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, 47-year-old Wayne Leon Horsley was found guilty on two counts of Possession of a Firearm by a convicted violent felon, Eluding Officers, and a misdemeanor Driving after Forfeiture of the License.
On March 18, 2023, a Lynchburg officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Park Avenue for a stolen 2015 Grey Chevy Tahoe. Officers searched for the vehicle and located the car later that night speeding on Fillmore Street. Lynchburg officers attempted to stop the vehicle, however, Horsley refused, and a high-speed chase began.
Officers continued chasing Horsley until he stopped at a dead end and ran through a thick brush.
During the investigation, officers learned Horsley was wanted on outstanding warrants. On March 28, an officer noticed Horsley standing on the corner of 11th and Pierce Street. The officer turned on his light and approached Horsley, but he ran away with his hands in his hoodie. That’s when the officer noticed Horsley had a large caliber gun on his hip, and the gun fell on the ground.
The Commonwealth Attorney’s office says Horsley is facing a five-year minimum mandatory sentence on his gun charge. The charges of eluding an officer carry an up to five-year sentence and the misdemeanor can be punished up to a year in jail.
Horsley’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20 at 9 a.m.
