PUTNAM COUNTY, WV — Authorities have identified the woman killed Thursday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 that followed a police pursuit. The Putnam County Sheriff's Department confirmed the victim is Angela Born of Kanawha County.
The incident began around 2:30 p.m. on March 5, 2026, when 22-year-old Joseph R. Elswick allegedly stole a vehicle containing a firearm. A sheriff’s deputy initiated a pursuit on Johns Creek Road, during which stop sticks were deployed. Despite having flattened tires, Elswick allegedly continued onto I-64 East.
Near the Hurricane exit, Elswick’s vehicle collided with the vehicle driven by Born. The impact caused a significant fire, leading to the closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes for several hours. Born was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Elswick has been arrested and faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and fleeing with reckless indifference. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities process the scene and review the circumstances of the pursuit.