Officials with the Noble County Sheriff’s Office reported that a traffic stop led to a high-speed chase that spanned four counties.
According to the sheriff’s office, Deputy Perry was on patrol when he noticed a car speeding southbound on Interstate 77, breaking various traffic laws. Perry executed a traffic stop around mile marker 21, where the vehicle had initially stopped.
As the deputy approached, the vehicle abruptly left the stop and raced at high speed, heading south into Washington County, Ohio. Authorities said the vehicle was going at speeds greater than 100 mph.
Near Marietta, Ohio, the vehicle exited the interstate at Exit 6 and proceeded north on State Route 821 before returning to Caldwell, Ohio, and rejoining I-77 northbound. The pursuit proceeded throughout various counties, with aid from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office, and Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office.
The Highway Patrol’s aviation section later located the car near Newcomerstown, Ohio, allowing ground forces to temporarily disengage.
Authorities eventually placed spike strips near the Stone Creek area of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, which successfully deflated the vehicle’s tires. The pursuit stopped just south of New Philadelphia, Ohio, when cops performed a felony traffic stop.
The driver, John Kirk, 22, of Akron, Ohio, was brought into jail. During the inventory search of the vehicle, deputies discovered a bag containing probable fentanyl.
Kirk was first taken to the Tuscarawas County Jail before being brought to Noble County.
Sheriff Mackie stated that the suspect was able to dodge multiple sets of spike strips during the pursuit.
“The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s aviation unit and troopers did a great job helping bring this pursuit to a safe and successful conclusion,” Mackie told the crowd.
Kirk has been charged with refusal to comply with a police officer’s direction or signal, a third-degree felony, as well as aggravated narcotics possession.
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