A pursuit on Wednesday, May 8 in Tuscarawas County ended in a crash, damaging a Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Cruiser, authorities said.
The incident began when a Grey Pontiac G6 was spotted heading south on Interstate 77 with dark window tints. An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper attempted to pull over the vehicle, but the driver, later identified as Darrell R. Smith, 53, of Coshocton, accelerated and exited at Stonecreek.
Smith allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign in Stonecreek and continued to evade authorities. The pursuit ensued, leading onto County Road 21, where New Philadelphia Police Department was called to set up spike strips at Crooked Run road.
According to officials, the chase continued onto Schilling Hill Road (County Road 79), then onto Weller Road (Township Road 345), which transitions into Funk Road (Township Road 347). The suspect’s vehicle eventually returned to Crooked Run Road.
During an attempt to turn around, Smith’s vehicle collided with a Tuscarawas County Deputy’s cruiser and another vehicle. The pursuit then led into New Philadelphia on West High before turning onto Tusc Ave and heading back towards State Route 39 towards Sugar Creek.
Eventually, Smith struck another civilian vehicle and crashed his car into a pole and guardrail. He attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly apprehended by Tuscarawas County Deputies.
Smith was transported to Mercy Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. Fortunately, no officers were injured in the incident.
Authorities revealed that Smith did not possess a valid driver’s license, had expired plates, and was wanted on a felony warrant.
