A Massillon man wanted on a long list of felony charges was arrested Sunday evening after a police chase that began in Columbiana County and ended across the state line in Chester, W.Va.
Authorities said Van Keith Jones II, 41, was wanted in connection with several serious crimes in Ohio, including robbery, strangulation, intimidation of a witness, violating a protection order, theft, and domestic violence. Police also noted that Jones had allegedly made suicidal and homicidal threats and was believed to be armed.
The incident unfolded around 7:15 p.m. when deputies with the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office and an East Liverpool police officer attempted to stop a stolen Mercedes on State Route 39 in East Liverpool. The vehicle matched a description provided by Massillon police in connection with Jones, according to law enforcement.
Instead of stopping, police said Jones fled onto U.S. Route 30, leading officers into West Virginia. The chase ended shortly after he exited near Chester. A St. Clair Township K-9 handler and Chester Patrolman Kyle Swan conducted a felony stop and took Jones into custody without incident.
In addition to the charges he faces in Ohio, Jones is now charged in West Virginia with bringing stolen property into the state, fleeing law enforcement, and driving with a suspended license. He was taken to the Northern Regional Jail, where he awaits arraignment.
The Chester Police Department credited the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, East Liverpool Police Department, St. Clair Township Police Department, and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
