
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 30, 1995                   TAG: 9508300055
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

CAR CHASE BRINGS ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGE

A Montgomery County man faces several charges - including the attempted murder of Giles County Sheriff Larry Falls - after a car chase Monday night.

Authorities accuse Thomas Collins, 20, of Giles Drive, Christiansburg, of failing to stop for police after being signaled to pull over while driving through Pearisburg.

The pursuit reached speeds of more than 100 mph. The basis for the attempted-murder charge is a collision between Collins' car and Sheriff Falls' patrol car. Authorities believe Collins tried to run Falls' car off the road, said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Richard Chidester.

Collins is also charged with possession of marijuana, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and failure to stop for police.

He was arraigned Tuesday in Giles County General District Court. Bond, originally set at $10,000, was reduced after an afternoon bond hearing to $3,000.

Christopher Tuck, Collins' attorney, said he was not sure why Collins received the original signal to pull over.

``He used extremely poor judgment. ... However, I don't think that poor judgment rises to attempted murder,'' Tuck said.

by CNB