Pickaway – A dramatic pursuit unfolded on Monday as law enforcement officers chased down a male suspect believed to be involved in a drive-by shooting incident in Ross County.
According to new information, reports reveal that the suspect in this case Felix Sherard had an unhealthy relationship with a woman that he met in rehab in a facility in Pickaway County. Sherard who had dated a woman in Ross County but had lived in New York had attempted to contact his ex-girlfriend in Ross County throughout the week including Monday morning. When she ignored his calls and texts he decided to show up at her house located at the trailer park in the 9000 block of SR-772. Felix then broke into the home that’s where he found his ex and another person in a back bedroom. In the report, Felix then pulled a gun and threatened both of them with it. The male subject and the woman got into a physical altercation before the male left the residence and got into a vehicle. The male then fired 2 rounds toward the house, one of which struck a car in the driveway. Shortly afterward a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) was issued to surrounding counties. With the man’s identity and the vehicle he was driving including the out-of-state plate.
At approximately 10:45 am, South Bloomfield units located the suspect vehicle and initiated a stop. However, the driver refused to comply and fled the scene, igniting a high-speed pursuit in the 316/104 area. Police reported speeds exceeding 100 mph as the chase progressed westward on 316 through Darbyville. Additional law enforcement agencies joined the pursuit, attempting to deploy spike strips to halt the fleeing vehicle.
The pursuit continued into Mt. Sterling via 56 West, where authorities reported a collision involving a police vehicle and a semi around 11:00 am. Despite the crash, law enforcement persisted in their pursuit of the suspect through the streets of Mt. Sterling. The chase ultimately concluded near the railroad tracks and Oday Harrison Road, where the suspect was surrounded by a multitude of law enforcement officers.
In a tense standoff, the suspect brandished a firearm and threatened self-harm. Tragically, shortly thereafter, pulled the trigger sustaining life-threatening injuries. He was transported to emergency hospitals, eventually, he passed away from his injuries.
The South Bloomfield Officer was transported to a local hospital with injuries but is recovering fine.
The suspect Felix had two warrants for his arrest in surrounding counties, one was for armed robbery.
Law enforcement officials have since secured the scene and commenced an investigation into the incident. The pursuit and its harrowing conclusion underscore the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty and highlight the urgent need to address violent crimes in our communities.
