DARBY TOWNSHIP, OH — What began as a fireworks complaint early Sunday morning ended in a multi-agency foot chase through a cornfield, with one woman arrested on an outstanding warrant.
At approximately 1:31 a.m. on July 6, 2025, a Pickaway County Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to 14941 Blain Road in Darby Township after a caller reported a vehicle driving erratically along the road, entering nearby fields, and setting off fireworks.
Upon arrival, the deputy located a dark-colored sedan parked on the roadway, with spent firework debris scattered across the road. The deputy made contact with three individuals: Maria Taylor, Douglas Smith, and Kacy Smith, who admitted they had driven from their trailer at Deer Creek State Park Campground to shoot off fireworks.
The deputy reminded the group that fireworks were only permitted between 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., and began identifying the individuals. During the process, Maria warned the deputy that her name might trigger a warrant alert. However, dispatch confirmed an active warrant was actually for Kacy Smith.
As the group stood on the roadside, Kacy became visibly emotional, at one point stating she might try to flee. Moments later, she did—running into a nearby cornfield on the south side of the road.
The deputy immediately called for backup, and multiple law enforcement agencies responded, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Commercial Point Police, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The OSHP Aviation Unit also joined the search, setting up a perimeter and making repeated announcements for Kacy to surrender.
Thanks to the aerial unit’s assistance, Kacy was quickly located and taken into custody without further resistance. She reported a knee injury, prompting a response from Mount Sterling Joint EMS, but she declined further treatment after being evaluated. For precaution, she was transported to OhioHealth Berger Hospital, where she was medically cleared and then booked into the Pickaway County Jail.
Smith was charged with Obstruction of official business. Her felony warrants are out of Ashland County with two counts of Drug Possession and Fugitive from Justice. Sher is currently being held in Ashland County until pickup.
