RICHLAND COUNTY—The Mansfield Post initiated a traffic stop on IR 71 southbound near milepost 161 in Richland County on April 7 at 02:36 AM and a pursuit ensued.
A Mansfield Post Trooper attempted to stop the suspect vehicle for traffic and equipment violations, southbound on IR 71 near milepost 161 in Richland County. The vehicle stopped in the right lane momentarily, then fled southbound. The pursuit continued to SR 95 in Morrow County at a high rate of speed and swerving across the lanes. The suspect vehicle exited at SR 95 and then turned northbound back onto IR 71. Responding units successfully deployed stop sticks to slow the suspect vehicle. The pursuit continued northbound on I 71 to milepost 177 where the passenger jumped from the vehicle and was apprehended.
The driver continued northbound for less than a mile when permission was given to intentionally force the vehicle into the guardrail. The intentional contact was successful, disabling the suspect vehicle. The driver fled on foot into a wooded area. An Ohio State Highway Patrol Helicopter was overhead and directed units to the driver’s location. He was apprehended without incident.
The preliminary investigation shows the driver is Justin Peterson, 32 of Cleveland, Ohio. The passenger is Allan Stephenson, 38 of South Euclid, Ohio. Peterson was found to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol and has an active felony warrant for his arrest. The driver was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield to be treated for minor injuries and intoxication and will be incarcerated at the Richland County Jail for Felony Fleeing and Eluding charges. The passenger was incarcerated at the Richland County Jail for Possession of Drug charges and Intoxication.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Ashland County Sheriff’s Department, Mifflin Township EMS, and Madison Township EMS assisted on the scene.