New Philadelphia police locate suspect who fled after car chase
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (June 19, 2024) – Police have arrested the man they say led them on a dangerous vehicle pursuit through neighborhood streets and alleys two weeks ago.
Matthew Swinderman, 49, is in the Tuscarawas County Jail after his arrest Saturday morning in the neighborhood where the pursuit took place. Officer Brad Geist says police received a tip and closed in on Swinderman in a shed on a property in the 700 block of Park Avenue NW around 10 a.m.
He says there was a standoff that lasted about an hour. Police announced they had a K-9 officer and removed the door. Geist says police then arrested Swinderman without having to use force.
Geist says Saturday’s arrest was for outstanding warrants while charges are pending for the pursuit from earlier this month.
The chase began on Wednesday afternoon, June 6, when an officer spotted Swinderman driving a Geo Tracker. Swinderman had warrants out for his arrest. Capt. David Morris said Police eventually called off the pursuit when speeds reached over 60 miles per hour on unnamed alleys and through busy intersections.
Police later found the Geo Tracker abandoned after it apparently struck a gas meter on a home on Orchard Avenue. No one was hurt, and the gas company was able to repair the meter without any problems.
Swinderman was still in jail Wednesday awaiting a court date.