PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — A reckless driving complaint turned into a dangerous high-speed chase Thursday morning, ending with law enforcement boxing in a suspect beneath the U.S. 23 overpass on State Route 22.
According to emergency dispatchers, the incident began after a 911 caller reported a white Dodge minivan driving recklessly while heading southbound into Pickaway County on U.S. 23. Officers located the vehicle in northern Pickaway County, but when a patrol unit attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver fled.
Speeds reportedly topped 100 mph, with officers clocking the fleeing vehicle at nearly 115 mph as it raced south through South Bloomfield.
Multiple agencies—including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, South Bloomfield Police, the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, and Circleville Police—attempted to stop the vehicle with spike strips. The first attempt failed, but a second deployment near Fletcher’s Towing on U.S. 23 successfully punctured one side of the van’s tires.
As the damaged tires began to shred and smoke, the suspect exited U.S. 23 via the State Route 22 ramp. The vehicle slowed significantly due to the blown tires, giving pursuing officers the opportunity to surround and stop it just under the SR-22 bridge.
Authorities say the driver’s license was suspended out of Franklin County, and he is also wanted on a felony charge. Additional charges from today’s pursuit are expected. His name has not yet been released.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
