VALDOSTA — A Valdosta man is facing multiple felony charges after police said he stole two cars and crashed into a tree early Saturday morning.

Joshua Washington, 30, is charged with hijacking a motor vehicle, robbery by sudden snatching, burglary, kidnapping, fleeing and attempting to elude officers and criminal damage to property in the second degree.

He is also charged with numerous traffic violations. More charges are pending, according to the Valdosta Police Department.

As a North Carolina family was leaving a Valdosta motel room around 7:45 a.m., the suspect grabbed a cellphone from one family member, brandished a gun then forced his way into their vehicle, police said. The family was able to escape. 

Minutes later, police responded to the 300 block of West Hill after receiving a call that there was a car accident with injuries, police said.

Authorities said the suspect had driven the car the wrong way on West Central Avenue and caused a traffic accident with another car that was heading west. 

He then ran to the Budget Inn in the 200 block of West Hill and forced his way into an office area, where he physically forced two employees into another part of the motel, according to VPD. Police said employees were not injured, and one of them was able to run to safety after getting loose.

The suspect ran from the motel and forced himself into another car in the 200 block of West Hill. The driver was able to get out of the car, according to reports.

Police said they noticed the car traveling recklessly on East Hill Avenue and followed it as it went north on Troup Street.

The suspect sped off when officers attempted to pull him over. 

Police followed the car down North Troup Street to the 700 block of Woodlawn Drive, where the suspect lost control of the car, wrecked it into a tree and was arrested, according to police.

Washington had superficial injuries. He received treatment at South Georgia Medical Center and was sent to Lowndes County Jail.

“Our thoughts go out to all the victims who were impacted by Washington’s actions. Our officers did an excellent job with their persistence in doing everything they could to make sure that Washington was apprehended, and his crime spree was stopped before any other people were harmed by his actions,” Interim Chief Leslie Manahan stated. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.