CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — A chaotic incident unfolded on June 21, 2025, when a man attempted to obtain narcotics at Adena Urgent Care, leading to a high-speed police pursuit that spanned two counties, according to a Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office report.
At approximately 6:34 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Adena Urgent Care at 166 Summit Avenue in Circleville after reports of a white male, dressed in a black t-shirt, camouflage pants, and work boots, attempting to access medication. The suspect, later identified as Matthew Smith, entered the facility, jumped over a counter, and searched secured areas while demanding “pills,” according to employee Sabrina Azbell. Employees, including Andrew Hill and Marlena Shook, followed Smith as he moved through restricted areas, eventually locking down parts of the facility to contain him until law enforcement arrived. Smith fled the scene in a silver 2010 Mazda SUV with Ohio license plate JER5208, heading toward Circleville Plaza Drive.
Corporal Brandon Cooper, patrolling near Main Street, spotted the vehicle traveling northbound on South Pickaway Street near Crites Road. Observing the SUV fail to signal a left turn onto Mound Street and run a stop sign, Cooper initiated a traffic stop with assistance from a nearby Circleville Police cruiser. The suspect accelerated, prompting a pursuit that reached speeds exceeding 100 mph on US-23 southbound. Smith’s erratic driving included weaving between vehicles and crossing a grass median to travel south in the northbound lanes of US-23 in Ross County, nearly striking multiple vehicles. The chase continued to the US-23 and State Route 207 intersection, where Smith exited using a northbound on-ramp while still driving south. Due to the extreme danger to public safety, Lieutenant Stacey Eitel ordered the pursuit terminated.
At Adena Urgent Care, Azbell reported to Cooper that Smith appeared intoxicated, possibly under the influence of drugs, though no theft or direct threats were reported. Security footage was captured by Adena security. No physical damage was observed in the facility.
Later, Ross County Deputy Brandon Stanley stopped the suspect vehicle in Chillicothe, where Chillicothe Police arrested Smith on unrelated local charges, including a felony linked to a June 20 burglary. Smith, described as wearing a black shirt, grey shorts, and dark green tennis shoes—consistent with the urgent care suspect’s description—was taken to Ross County Jail. Stanley photographed the vehicle and Smith, coordinating with Pickaway County for further investigation to confirm his involvement in the urgent care incident, which may lead to additional charges.
The Mazda was released to its registered owner, and Stanley’s body camera footage documented the arrest. The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, with the case under review for potential future charges against Smith.
