ROSS COUNTY, OH (May 6, 2024) – A dramatic pursuit unfolded as law enforcement officers chased down a male suspect believed to be involved in a drive-by shooting incident earlier today in Ross County.
The incident began around 10:00 am when Ross County reported that their office received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 9500 block of SR-772. Patrol deputies and detectives responded to the scene and determined that a male subject forced entry into the home of a female acquaintance and threatened the woman and another man with a firearm. The male subject and the woman got into a physical altercation before the male left the residence and got into a vehicle. The male then fired 2 rounds toward the house, one of which struck a car in the driveway. Shortly afterward a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) was issued to surrounding counties.
At approximately 10:45 am, South Bloomfield units located the suspect vehicle and initiated a stop. However, the driver refused to comply and fled the scene, igniting a high-speed pursuit in the 316/104 area. Police reported speeds exceeding 100 mph as the chase progressed westward on 316 through Darbyville. Additional law enforcement agencies joined the pursuit, attempting to deploy spike strips to halt the fleeing vehicle.
The pursuit continued into Mt. Sterling via 56 West, where authorities reported a collision involving a police vehicle and a semi around 11:00 am. Despite the crash, law enforcement persisted in their pursuit of the suspect through the streets of Mt. Sterling. The chase ultimately concluded near the railroad tracks and Oday Harrison Road, where the suspect was surrounded by a multitude of law enforcement officers.
In a tense standoff, the suspect brandished a firearm and threatened self-harm. Tragically, shortly thereafter, pulled the trigger sustaining life-threatening injuries.
The South Bloomfield Officer was transported to a local hospital with injuries.
The suspect whos name is being withheld, had two warrants for his arrest in surrounding counties, one was for armed robbery.
Law enforcement officials have since secured the scene and commenced an investigation into the incident. The pursuit and its harrowing conclusion underscore the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty and highlight the urgent need to address violent crimes in our communities.
