Ross County — A high-speed chase in north-central Ross County started near the hospital and ended at a tree on July 31st.
The Ross County Grand Jury met on Friday, September 4th, 2026. They returned all 14 of their cases, with three open for release to the public. From one of the cases,* according to the Ross County Prosecutor’s Office:
At 6:38pm on July 31st, 2026, a reckless vehicle was reported on State Route 159 near Overbridge Road, just south of Adena Regional Medical Center (and near the Highway Patrol post). Callers reported the diver of the 2013 Ford hatchback was swerving and almost striking other vehicles.
An Ohio Highway Patrol Trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver turned onto Hopetown Road and pursuit ensued, with the driver’s speed clocked up to 70 miles an hour.
The trooper soon lost sight of the vehicle, then found it off the road in a field, and pursuit continued back on the road, with speed reaching 100 miles an hour.
The driver passed several vehicles, and then struck a pole – but backed away and drove back onto the road. But he was unable to negotiate a sharp curve on Sulphur Spring Road and hit a tree.
The two occupants then fled on foot, but were soon apprehended. No injuries were reported and no medical treatment was given. The vehicle also caught on fire.
The driver, 43-year-old Kyle A. Hurley of South Salem, had no priors. No reason was given for his fleeing. The passenger was unidentified in the report.
Hurley admitted to several drinks, but was uncooperative and denied a field sobriety test – though the trooper observed bloodshot eyes, alcohol on his breath, and slurred speech.
For indictments on third-degree felony failure to comply, and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle under the influence, Hurley could get up to 5 1/2 years and $11,000 in fines.
Booking for the Ross County Jail shows that Hurley was also charged with fourth-degree felony motor vehicle theft, and disorderly conduct.
*The investigators in the Prosecutor’s Office provide law enforcement reports on alleged offenses to the Grand Jury, which then deliberates on each case in secret. After each Grand Jury has adjourned, the investigators then offer a discussion of the law enforcement reports to news media in the cases that are open to release to the public.
