UPDATE: Soldier arraigned in theft of armored vehicle

In this June 5, 2018 photo, emergency personnel surround a National Guard military vehicle stolen from Fort Pickett, Nottoway County, Va. Police in Virginia said they arrested a soldier who stole the armored personnel carrier after chasing him for more than 60 miles. (Grace Hollars/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP) Courtesy of ABC News

(AP) – An Army National Guard officer has been arraigned in Virginia on charges of stealing an armored vehicle and driving it more than 60 miles (96 kilometers) while under the influence of drugs.

Joshua Philip Yabut appeared in Richmond General District Court by video link from the city jail Wednesday. No bond was set. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 11.

Yabut was taken into custody Tuesday night, about two hours after police say he drove away from Fort Pickett in the armored personnel carrier. No one was injured during the incident.

Yabut's attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Efforts to reach family members who could comment on his behalf were unsuccessful.

The Virginia National Guard said in a news release that Yabut is assigned as the commander of the Petersburg-based Headquarters Company, 276th Engineer Battalion. He has more than 11 years of service, and was deployed to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009 with the Illinois National Guard.

(AP) – Police in Virginia say they arrested a soldier who stole an armored personnel carrier from a National Guard base and was chased by police for more than 60 miles (100 kilometers).

State Police Sgt. Keeli Hill tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch the vehicle, which drives on tracks like a tank, topped out at speeds of about 45 mph (70 kph). Police couldn't stop it, so they ended up escorting it, sirens blazing, ahead and behind it before the man finally stopped and go out near Richmond's City Hall.

Authorities have not identified the driver. Witnesses said he got out and started walking around before police sent a dog to attack him, shot him with a Taser and took him into custody.

Categories: Local News, Virginia