Driver hides in Virginia storm drain after hit-and-run crash on I-495

FAIRFAX, Va. - Virginia State Police are searching for a man who fled the scene of multiple crashes on Interstate 495 Monday afternoon, leading to an hours-long manhunt that involved drones, rescue teams, and police officers scouring a nearby neighborhood.

The incident began around 2:35 p.m. near Eisenhower Avenue when state troopers responded to two crashes on I-495 eastbound. As they investigated, a third crash occurred nearby.

One of the vehicles involved in the third crash fled the scene, according to officials. Less than a mile away, that same driver crashed again, ending up in a ditch. 

Police say Victor A Caneza, a 38-year-old Hispanic man, was told to wait in his car. But he decided to make a run for it. He abandoned the car and ran across both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the highway before disappearing into a drainage area beneath the interstate.

Police said Caneza reemerged briefly on the eastbound side before vanishing into a second drainage area.

For over three hours, more than a dozen officers and rescue teams searched for the suspect. They used drones in the drainpipe, and frequently paused all activity to listen for any signs of movement. The manhunt ended around 6:30 p.m. without locating the individual.

Troopers were stationed at nearby drain covers to cover possible exits, but nearly three blocks from the entry point, a local resident reported seeing an individual exit a manhole 30 minutes earlier.

Jason Rice, a nearby resident, described the scene as "very unusual." Rice told FOX 5, "We were out sledding down the hill, and next thing you know, ambulances and fire engines were here."

Authorities revealed the suspect did not have a valid driver’s license but was carrying a construction ID.

Troopers are obtaining warrants to charge Caneza with felony hit-and-run and felony eluding.

Anyone with information on Caneza can contact Virginia State Police.

FOX 5's Julie Donaldson contributed to this report.