Chillicothe, OH – A high-speed pursuit that ended with a dramatic crash led to the arrest of Sophia Johnson on September 3, 2024. Johnson faces several charges, including operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) and driving with a suspended license.
Officers first encountered Johnson when Officers attempted to pull over her silver sedan on North Bridge Street. The vehicle, registered to a person without a valid driver’s license, failed to stop and accelerated to speeds exceeding 70 mph. Johnson disregarded multiple stop signs and ultimately lost control while turning onto Paint Street, crashing into several objects.
The vehicle struck a curb, a potted plant, a traffic control box, and a trash can before coming to a stop in front of 104 N. Paint Street. The collision caused damage to the city’s property, including the traffic control box, which was knocked over, and the trash can, which hit the building’s facade. The scene was documented by Officers, who noted the presence of an empty vodka bottle among the debris.
Johnson exited the vehicle and fled on foot, running south on Paint Street before turning into an alley. She continued evading officers but was eventually apprehended by police without further incident. Johnson was placed in handcuffs and later admitted to knowing her license was suspended. She expressed hope to reach home before being caught.
At the scene, Johnson was advised of her Miranda Rights and refused all field sobriety and chemical tests, stating that her suspended license rendered the tests irrelevant. She was initially refused entry into the Ross County Jail due to medical concerns from the airbag deployment but was later cleared at Adena Regional Medical Center.
Johnson was booked into the Ross County Jail and issued citations for OVI, driving under a suspended license, failure to control, failure to comply with a police order, and running a stop sign. She is scheduled to appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court on September 3, 2024.
The vehicle was towed and impounded by LC Towing. Chillicothe City Electrician Jeff Perry was notified of the damage to the traffic control box. The investigation continues.
