Motorcyclist dies after trying to flee from police in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH

The motorcyclist who crashed while being pursued by police this morning in Portsmouth has died of his injuries, an official said.

The victim, whose name is being withheld pending notification of family, was pronounced dead at about 1:15 p.m. at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, said Ann Hope, a spokeswoman for Portsmouth police.

A Portsmouth police officer spotted the motorcyclist speeding eastbound on High Street about 11:15 a.m. and tried to pull the bike over, Hope said. The driver sped away, and the officer lost sight of him, she said.

Two minutes later, authorities learned the motorcyclist had crashed at Court and London streets, she said. A preliminary investigation indicated the motorcyclist veered off the road at the intersection, struck a tree and was thrown from his bike, she said. 

He was flown to the hospital for treatment but died of his injuries two hours later, Hope said.