CHILLICOTHE, OH – A high-speed chase that began in Circleville over a suspected drunk driver culminated in a dramatic apprehension in Chillicothe on Saturday, June 21, 2025, starting around 6:30 p.m. EDT. The incident, initiated by a 911 call reporting an intoxicated man driving a silver Mazda SUV in Circleville’s south end, escalated into a multi-county pursuit.
Circleville police attempted a traffic stop near Scioto and Mound streets, but the driver fled, accelerating through Mound to South Court and onto Circle Lane, merging onto US-23 southbound. Both the Circleville police and the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office engaged, with speeds exceeding 100 mph. Near Orr Road in Pickaway County, the suspect crossed the median, driving southbound in the northbound lanes. Due to safety concerns, Pickaway County deputies discontinued the chase near SR-207 in Ross County but coordinated with Ross County units.
Chillicothe Police later located the SUV on High Street, and with assistance from Deputy Brandon Stanley, they boxed it in on Main Street. A felony stop ensued, with Stanley drawing but not firing his firearm as officers handcuffed the driver, identified as Matthew Smith. Stanley photographed the vehicle and coordinated with Pickaway County, which planned a further investigation to confirm Smith as the driver, potentially leading to future charges. Smith, described as wearing a black shirt, grey shorts, and dark green tennis shoes—matching the suspect’s description— was linked to a June 20 burglary in Chillicothe, adding fresh felony charges.
Stanley transported Smith to Ross County Jail, where he awaits Chillicothe Police charges. The vehicle’s registered owner retrieved it from the scene. Stanley’s body camera recorded the incident, and the case, remains under review by Pickaway County.
