Information Released in High Speed Chase Incident

Information Released in High Speed Chase Incident

RACINE, Ohio – Further information has been released following a high speed chase on May 27, 2020.

According to Racine Village Marshal Michael Hupp, he was on patrol he observed a red Chevy Cobalt with an extremely loud exhaust and a broken tail light traveling on 5^th Street near Star Mill Park. As Marshal Hupp attempted to stop the vehicle, it began to flee at a high rate of speed through the village. Marshal Hupp continued to pursue the vehicle on State Route 124 through Syracuse. The pursuit continued towards Minersville with speeds exceeding 100 mph. Meigs County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Dion Jones was able to deploy stop sticks at the intersection of State Route 124 and Minersville Hill. As the vehicle approached the intersection it went left of center in an attempt to avoid the stop sticks, however, did successfully hit the sticks. This caused the driver to lose control and slide head on into Deputy Joe Barnhart’s cruiser before coming to a stop in the roadway.

At that time the driver who was identified as Ernest Hudnall. Hudnall was taken into custody without any further incident. The passenger of the vehicle who was identified as Juanita Pridemore had to be extricated from the vehicle by the fire department. Pridemore was then transported by Meigs County EMS to the Holzer Meigs ER where she was transported by Med-Flight for her injuries. Deputy Barnhart was transported to the Meigs ER and later released with minor injuries. 

The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to the scene and is handling the crash investigation. 

The Racine Village Marshal’s office is handling the criminal charges in this case. 

Also responding to the scene was Syracuse Police Department, Pomeroy Police Department, and Meigs EMS. About 18 firefighters from Syracuse Fire Department responded with Engine 31, Engine 34 and Truck 30.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.