Chillicothe, OH – December 25, 2024 – A Christmas Day traffic stop turned into a high-speed chase after a black GMC SUV failed to yield to police in Chillicothe. Officer Chance Blankenship was patrolling S Renick Avenue when he spotted the SUV leaving a known drug area without an illuminated license plate.
The pursuit began around 4:58 a.m. when the vehicle failed to signal a lane change. Officer Blankenship activated his emergency lights, but the driver, later identified as Eric Seckman, accelerated, reaching speeds of over 100 mph on Charleston Pike. The chase continued through residential areas, with Seckman driving recklessly, swerving in and out of lanes.
During the pursuit, Officer Blankenship reported seeing what appeared to be a white baggie ejected from the vehicle. Despite a search by responding units, the bag was not located. The chase ended when Seckman drove off the road into a backyard on Brandy Hill Road, hitting a plastic cart and a pool ladder. The vehicle then crashed into a shed.
As Officer Blankenship attempted to follow, he lost control of his cruiser due to wet ground conditions, causing minor damage to his vehicle. Upon stopping, he found Seckman’s SUV abandoned, with the driver missing. A nearby voice was heard saying, “I’m done running,” leading officers to Seckman hiding in a creek.
Upon arrest, Seckman claimed a female acquaintance had spiked his drink with drugs. A search revealed a baggie containing a crystal-like substance in his pocket. Medical personnel evaluated Seckman for a head injury but deemed hospitalization unnecessary.
The pursuit lasted approximately 9.3 miles and concluded with Seckman being taken to the Ross County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including failure to comply with police, criminal mischief for damages caused during the chase, and receiving stolen property, as well as traffic citations for the illuminated license plate and driving under suspension.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding reckless driving and drug-related activity in the area. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case, pending lab results on the substances found.
