In a series of events that unfolded on April 3, 2024, law enforcement agencies were engaged in a pursuit stemming from a stolen vehicle incident near the Ross County/Jackson County line.
Authorities were alerted to the situation when the Ohio State Highway Patrol terminated a pursuit after identifying a stolen vehicle, a Silver Nissan Sentra with Ohio license plates, previously reported by the Wellston Police Department.
The pursuit escalated as the vehicle, described as a grey Nissan Sentra, was spotted westbound on US 35 near the US 50 exit ramp in Ross County. Ross County Sheriff’s deputies and Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers mobilized in pursuit, with officers deploying stop sticks in an attempt to halt the vehicle.
As the pursuit continued, Deputy Dutcher and Trooper Tatman deployed stop sticks on US 35W near the Main Street exit. Despite attempts to evade the stop sticks, the suspect vehicle’s tires were ultimately punctured, leading to a tumultuous chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The pursuit took a dangerous turn as the suspect vehicle entered oncoming traffic, narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles. To prevent further endangerment to the public, Deputy Champion and Deputy Tatman executed a tactical maneuver, effectively halting the fleeing vehicle’s progress.
Statement from one of the officers
I felt that not only was the lives of the motoring public at great risk of death or serious harm should a collision occur, but the lives of law enforcement and the fleeing offender. The fleeing vehicle barely avoided collision with the semis in the number 1 lane. The vehicle then transitioned into the number two lane, rapidly approaching a minivan. Fearing the potential of a serious collision and to protect lives of all involved parties, I initiated intentional contact on the fleeing vehicle’s right rear quarter panel, pushing it into the guardrail. The vehicle attempted to continue fleeing, at which point Deputy Tatman assisted boxing in the vehicle. I then exited my patrol vehicle and unholstered my sidearm, aiming it at the driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle. The vehicle appeared to continue attempting to flee. I gave the driver very clear instructions to show me her hands. The driver was not cooperative. I then broke the window with a window punch, cutting my hand in the process. An assisting Trooper and I then removed the female driver from the vehicle. The driver claimed to be seizing and had a low, raspy voice. The driver had sunglasses on, which were removed. I noticed her eyes were pinpoint. Based on my experience of dealing with impaired persons and training in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement, 1 recognized these to be a signs of drug impairment.
Upon apprehension, the driver, identified as Taylor Rajeen Harrison, exhibited signs of impairment, prompting law enforcement to administer field sobriety tests. Subsequent investigations led to the issuance of traffic citations, including charges of Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle.
Further efforts included a narcotics search warrant for the impounded vehicle, executed by Detective Sergeant Frantz and Larry McGarvey, resulting in the collection of evidence for analysis.
