Ross County, OH – A routine traffic stop turned into a pursuit and arrest on July 20, 2024, when a deputy of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office attempted to pull over a male subject operating an ATV on Blain Highway.
The deputy, patrolling in a marked vehicle, noticed a yellow 2002 Polaris Trail Blazer 250 ATV traveling in the wrong lane on US-50 West. Upon attempting to initiate a traffic stop, the ATV operator, identified as Codey Hatfield, initially acknowledged the overhead lights but accelerated, attempting to evade pursuit.
“I activated my cruiser’s siren and pursued the ATV briefly on Blain Highway,” recounted the deputy. “However, for safety reasons, I discontinued the pursuit but maintained visual contact.” Hatfield continued onto Windy Ridge Road and was eventually forced to stop near Shady Glen Road.
Approaching cautiously, the deputy instructed Hatfield to shut off the ATV and step off, complying with the orders. A subsequent search revealed Hatfield did not possess a valid driver’s license due to a forfeiture. Further inspection led to the discovery of a small container with suspected methamphetamine and multiple pounds of marijuana stowed in garbage bags on the ATV.
“I requested CV Towing to impound the ATV and conducted a thorough search of the immediate area,” the deputy stated. Hatfield was then transported to Ross County Jail where he faces charges including operating an ATV on a state highway, driving without a valid license, and failure to comply with law enforcement.
The suspected drugs seized during the incident have been secured as evidence pending laboratory analysis by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), with additional charges pending the results.
For ongoing updates on this case and others, residents are encouraged to visit the Ross County Sheriff’s Office website and official social media channels.
