GROVE CITY, Ohio – A dramatic series of events unfolded early Wednesday morning after a silver Hyundai sideswiped a Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) cruiser on U.S. 62 near I-270, prompting a pursuit that spanned several areas in Franklin County.
According to authorities, the incident began around 1:30 a.m. when the Hyundai, traveling at a high rate of speed, struck the FCSO cruiser. The driver fled the scene, initiating a brief pursuit by law enforcement. However, the suspect cleverly evaded detection by turning off all vehicle lights and disappearing into the night, forcing the deputy to terminate the chase.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office swiftly alerted other local agencies, and with the assistance of the Columbus Police Department’s helicopter, patrol units were notified to be on the lookout for the suspect vehicle.
In a surprising twist, a vehicle matching the description was spotted again near Spindler and Roberts Roads, prompting another pursuit. However, the driver abandoned the vehicle – later determined to be stolen – and fled on foot into a nearby wooded area.
A 16-year-old suspect was apprehended hiding in a nearby vehicle without incident. Authorities recovered a stolen firearm from the vehicle the teen was attempting to hide in.
While the teen was taken into custody, the original suspect vehicle – a stolen silver Hyundai – remained at large. Fortunately, the vehicle was discovered abandoned on Alkire Road around 10 a.m. this morning. Regrettably, the driver of the Hyundai, which struck the FCSO cruiser, has yet to be located.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident and urges anyone with information to contact their Detective Bureau at 614-525-3351. No injuries were reported throughout the ordeal.
