Pomeroy man attempts to flee police, arrested on drug charges

POMEROY, Ohio – A man is in custody following an alleged attempt to flee law enforcement and charged with possessing drugs.

Meigs County Sheriff Keith Wood reports that on Sunday, August 19, 2018 The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a male slumped over the steering wheel of a white BMW at the end of Howell Hill Road at the cemetery. Deputy Campbell and Sgt. Stewart were dispatched to the cemetery and upon their arrival the vehicle began to flee the area. Deputies initiated a pursuit of the vehicle which came to an end near the State Route 7 intersection on Howell Hill Road. When deputies approached, the suspect refused multiple commands to exit the vehicle and show his hands. At this time the male was removed from the vehicle where he then resisted arrest and fought with deputies.

Taken into custody was Michael J. Hankinson, 36, of Pomeroy, for Failure to Comply with the Order and Signal of a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest. Hankinson has also been charged with Possession of Heroin, a Felony of the Third Degree for being a bulk amount after deputies located a plastic baggy containing powder heroin in Hankinson’s pants pocket and Xanax pills concealed in his undergarments. Deputies recovered approximately $1,000 in cash from the suspects pants pocket as well. The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office will consult with the Meigs County Prosecutor James K. Stanley’s Office regarding further charges in this case.