A Canton man wanted in connection with an attempted murder was taken into custody Tuesday night after authorities say he led law enforcement on multiple pursuits across Summit County, allegedly fired at a state trooper and crashed into a Summit Metro Parks police cruiser.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 39-year-old Julius Edwards of Canton was arrested following a series of pursuits involving troopers, local police and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Troopers said they were alerted at approximately 3:21 p.m. to be on the lookout for a gray Kia Telluride driven by Edwards after investigators said he fled Canton police officers and members of the U.S. Marshals Service. Edwards was wanted in connection with an attempted murder investigation in Canton.
The vehicle was later identified through Flock camera technology, and troopers located it around 7:27 p.m. on Darrow Road in Hudson. Troopers attempted a traffic stop by activating their emergency lights, but the Kia did not stop, prompting a pursuit.
Authorities said Edwards then drove through a red light at Terex Road, causing a serious-injury crash involving multiple victims.
After the crash, investigators said Edwards got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. During the foot pursuit, Edwards allegedly fired at a pursuing state trooper, leading to an officer-involved shooting in which the trooper returned fire. Edwards then escaped into a nearby wooded area as law enforcement established a perimeter and searched for him.
Just before 8:25 p.m., troopers spotted Edwards driving a stolen silver Chrysler Town & Country that investigators said he had carjacked. Troopers again attempted to stop the vehicle, but Edwards fled, leading officers on another pursuit.
The second chase, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, lasted about 10 minutes before authorities said Edwards struck a Summit Metro Parks police cruiser, causing it to roll over near the intersection of Saybrook Boulevard and Bunker Lane in Stow.
Edwards got out of the minivan and attempted to run but was quickly taken into custody by Stow police officers and Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers without further incident.
The Summit Metro Parks officer suffered minor injuries in the crash. No other law enforcement officers were reported injured.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said it was assisted by the Stow Police Department, Hudson Police Department, Summit Metro Parks Police Department, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The investigation remains ongoing.
