Chillicothe, OH – February 6, 2025 – A routine traffic stop turned into a high-speed chase and drug bust early Tuesday morning as Chillicothe police attempted to pull over a speeding vehicle, leading to a crash and foot pursuit of the suspect.
According to authorities, Officer Christopher McGowan was conducting stationary radar enforcement near South Paint Street and 5th Street when he clocked an SUV traveling at 39 mph in a 25-mph zone. Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, the driver—later identified as Kirby Smith—accelerated, turning onto West 4th Street without stopping at a sign before eventually coming to a halt near Main Street.
As Officer McGowan approached the gray 2024 Mazda SUV with Florida plates, a witness, flagged him down. She informed officers that a male and female had fled the scene on foot and provided a brief cellphone video capturing their escape. Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter from Water and 2nd Street to Walnut and Main Street, successfully apprehending the female passenger, identified as Holly Imboden. However, Smith remained at large.
Further investigation at the scene revealed that Smith had crashed into a wall at West 4th and South High Street, damaging the vehicle’s driver’s side. He then collided with a parked Jeep at 71 North High Street, pushing it into a Honda and causing further damage.
During a search of the immediate area, officers discovered a black magnet box containing multiple bags of suspected narcotics, including white and orange powders, pink pills, and a crushed orange substance. Additionally, a loaded .22 caliber Ruger SR22 handgun was found near 35 North High Street. A serial number check confirmed the firearm had been reported stolen in a previous case.
Inside the vehicle, officers recovered two Ohio identification cards belonging to Kirby Smith, a Samsung cellphone, .22 caliber ammunition, and suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Imboden, after being read her Miranda rights, stated that Smith had instructed her to open the passenger door so he could discard the illicit items before fleeing.
Smith has a criminal record that includes robbery, aggravated possession of drugs, possession of cocaine, and a previous weapons charge. Due to these prior convictions, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The seized drugs will be sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) for analysis. Detective Adam Steele will be leading the investigation into drug possession, weapons under disability, and receiving stolen property charges against Smith. Officer McGowan is preparing a warrant request for felony failure to comply.
Police urge anyone with information on Kirby Smith’s whereabouts to contact the Chillicothe Police Department immediately.
