New Philadelphia post state troopers are detailing how extensive inter-agency coordination helped end a stolen-vehicle pursuit through Tuscarawas and Stark counties with no injuries.
Sgt. Bill Bower says the chase began Tuesday near the west end of New Philadelphia, when officers tried to stop a work truck reported stolen from a Canton business.
“The guy that owned the truck actually had a track on it, so he knew where it was. He was giving us good updates as to where the vehicle was, and we were able to intercept it near State Route 39 and 21 where we attempted to negotiate a traffic stop on it and it led to a pursuit.”
Bower says the chase went through the twin cities on US 250, then up I-77 into the Belden village area.
That’s where the suspect intentionally crashed into a navy-owned van outside a recruitment center and surrendered without incident.
“33 minutes, 41 miles, the highest speed was approximately 123 miles per hour. There were no injuries.”
Bower says the 42-year-old canton man appeared to be experiencing mental health issues.
“He advised he intentionally struck the parked van because he wanted the federal government to get a hold of him. He advised he works with federal ladies and has revitalized the world. He advised that he had 50,000 attempted murder charges on him.”
He’s facing initial felony charges in Tuscarawas County, including receiving stolen property, failure to comply with law enforcement, and criminal damaging or endangering.
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