x
Breaking News
More () »

Making Your Mark: Trooper who died in Richmond once saved dog on interstate

NOTE*: The video above is an abbreviated version of the story that aired on January 11, 2016. We are sad to report that since our story first aired, one of the troopers featured in this piece, Chad Dermyer, was killed in a shooting at a Richmond bus station. 

NOTE*: The video above is an abbreviated version of the story that aired on January 11, 2016. We are sad to report that since our story first aired, one of the troopers featured in this piece, Chad Dermyer, was killed in a shooting at a Richmond bus station.

Our hearts go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Trooper Dermyer.

To view our original Making Your Mark segment, along with the full-length video, click here.

HAMPTON, Va. (WVEC) -- Traffic can always be strange in Hampton Roads, but something happened during the busy ride to work one recent Friday morning that shocked motorist Dave Floyd.

Two state troopers were running along Interstate 64, trying to chase down a little dog!

"They were like talking in the microphone running back and forth trying to catch him," said Floyd.

PHOTOS: Remembering Virginia State Trooper Chad Dermyer

The troopers involved in the pooch pursuit were Chad Dermyer and Jeremy Hagwood.

They first spotted the dog on I-64 Eastbound in Hampton at LaSalle Ave. They tailed the little guy by car then on foot to I-664 at Aberdeen Road.

"He was a little guy and was off to the races," said Trooper Dermyer.

VA State Troopers Jeremy Hagwood (left) and Chad Dermyer (right) are heroes for chasing down a dog on I-64 and I-664, saving him from the traffic.

"He didn't want to stop for us," said Trooper Hagwood. "He kept going around in circles, going the wrong direction on the interstate, running between cars."

It was a four mile chase for the four-legged speedster darting through traffic.

Some drivers stopped to help. The troopers eventually cornered the dashing dog and scooped him up along the side of the road.

They were able to ID their little runaway thanks to his tags and they returned him to his owner, Jeffrey Corbin, who was grateful to have Pinta back in his arms.

"I want to say thank you, thank you very much, so much," Corbin said. "Pinta is a member of the family and he's a great companion for us."

The troopers' rescue story made it onto Facebook. It's gotten thousands of likes on the Virginia State Police page.

"It makes me feel good," said Trooper Dermyer.

"All in a day's work," said Trooper Hagwood.

FULL COVERAGE: Trooper slain in Richmond bus station shooting

Before You Leave, Check This Out