Mary Alice Reporting –
Bond has been issued for the 27-year-old suspect in a case where shots were fired, and one individual was transported.
Chance Swaney, of Uhrichsville, appeared via video Friday, in New Philadelphia Municipal Court, on charges of attempted murder, felonious assault, discharge of a firearm, having weapons while under disability, and theft.
Tuscarawas County Prosecutor Ryan Styer indicated that Swaney had just been released from prison in May, related to a burglary, and has a long list of previous offenses like thefts, weapons charge, drugs, and grand theft of a motor vehicle.
This new case stems from June 26th, at around midnight.
“The investigation essentially revealed that the affair started earlier at a gas station in Dover where Mr. Swaney and a driver of his agreed to meet another vehicle [that had two other individuals in it]. It appears that a drug deal had been arranged. Instead of a drug deal occurring, Swaney grabbed cash, to be about $250, and fled the scene.”
The two followed Swaney’s car in a chase down Interstate 77 that ended at the intersection of Commercial and Goshen, in New Philadelphia, when Swaney’s vehicle crashed into an embankment. A release from the New Philadelphia Police Department indicates the 41-year-old victim pulled next to the crash site and began to get out when Swaney allegedly fired multiple shots.
According to Styer, evidence showed four bullet holes observed in one of the vehicles. The female victim was transported and has since been listed in stable condition. A gun was also found by police near the accident scene.
The defense asked the magistrate to reduce the recommended bail amount, with Swaney noting his presence at previous court cases.
“As far as showing up, once after being late for a bond, I never really not showed up to court. I am sincerely sorry about everything that I did. I have a drug problem.”
The magistrate recognized the state’s concern of Swaney being a risk to society and a $200,000 cash assured bond was issued. A no contact order will also be in place related to the other individuals involved.
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