CIRCLEVILLE, OH — Three juveniles were taken into custody early Tuesday morning after a high-speed chase through Circleville that spanned multiple city streets and involved air support from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
According to the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, a gray 2013 Dodge Dart was spotted traveling southbound on US-23 near Little Walnut Road around 12:12 a.m. The vehicle was moving at a high rate of speed, prompting deputies to initiate a pursuit. Speeds reportedly reached 120 mph at times as the car weaved through several streets, running stop signs and driving in the opposite lane, before eventually going over a concrete barrier on East Main Street and fleeing into an alleyway.
The chase ended after the vehicle was abandoned behind 469 East Ohio Street, near the PICCA Veterans Home. Officers, assisted by the Highway Patrol helicopter, located three juveniles — Celso Zane Vera III (15), a 12, and 13-year-old — hiding in a wooded area nearby. Celso Vera III (15) was identified as the driver and found to be in possession of the Dodge Dart keys.
All three juveniles were on probation at the time of the incident. Vera was transported to the Pickaway County Jail and then to the Juvenile Detention Center in Lancaster.
The Dodge Dart was impounded by Scioto Valley Towing, and law enforcement is reviewing security footage and investigating additional details, including the whereabouts of backpacks reportedly carried by the juveniles during the incident.
No injuries were reported during the pursuit, which involved multiple city streets and alleys and prompted a safety perimeter by law enforcement.
