Suspect ends up in hospital after crash following high-speed chase
DOVER (WJER) (May 10, 2024) – A 53-year-old Coshocton County man is facing felony charges, potentially including attempted vehicular assault, after a high-speed chase through Tuscarawas County late Wednesday afternoon.
State Highway Patrol Sergeant Brian Hawkins says it started just after 6 p.m. on I-77 southbound in New Philadelphia and involved the Highway Patrol and Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office. It reached up to 100 miles per hour and, after several twists and turns, ended about 25 minutes later in a crash and short foot pursuit on state Route 39 in Dover.
Hawkins says the car crashed into a utility pole, bringing down wires and shutting down 39 for a while. Hawkins says during the pursuit the car made contact with at least three other vehicles.
Hawkins says charges will likely include felony fleeing and eluding, attempted vehicular assault, reckless operation, and more.
The suspect, Darrell Smith, ended up at Mercy hospital with non-life threatening injuries he sustained in the crash, according to Hawkins. He was still there late Thursday afternoon. Hawkins says the county prosecutor will issue a direct indictment against Smith.
The gray Pontiac G6 he was driving was initially targeted by troopers for having tinted windows. Troopers discovered during the pursuit that Smith had a warrant out of Delaware County.