SOUTH BLOOMFIELD, OH — June 12, 2025
A routine traffic stop for a headlight violation escalated into a high-speed pursuit through Pickaway County on Wednesday evening, ending in South Bloomfield with the arrest of a 41-year-old man now facing multiple serious charges.
According to law enforcement, the incident began around 7:40 p.m. when officers attempted to pull over a 2010 maroon Ford Taurus on State Route 104. The driver refused to stop, initiating a chase that continued onto State Route 316 and into the village of South Bloomfield.
The pursuit came to a dramatic conclusion near the intersection of Main and Concord Streets, behind the Tim Hortons. When the vehicle finally stopped, the situation grew more tense as the driver, identified as David Rhoden, refused to exit the car. Authorities say Rhoden instead remained inside the vehicle and began smoking drugs.
Three other occupants inside the Taurus were reportedly not allowed to leave during the standoff, prompting concerns of unlawful restraint. Law enforcement ultimately deployed a Taser to subdue Rhoden and safely remove him from the car. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Rhoden, a resident of Pickaway County, is now facing a series of charges, including:
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Kidnapping
- Failure to Comply with Law Enforcement
- Two Counts of Unlawful Restraint
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid Driver’s License
- Two Headlight Violations
He is currently being held in the Pickaway County Jail pending his upcoming court appearances.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and the case remains under investigation.
