07/06/2025
On June 5, 2025, at approximately 8:28 p.m., a Perry Township Police Officer initiated a traffic stop on a suspicious white GMC Sierra with no visible registration in the area of Diamond Mill Road and Wolf Creek Pike for multiple traffic violations. The vehicle, which had several occupants—including a white male riding in the bed of the truck—fled the stop. The individuals are believed to be connected to recent thefts in the area.
At the time, deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a Violent Crime Reduction blitz in the area and responded to assist along with air support from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During the pursuit, the driver of the truck appeared to attempt to strike an unmarked Sheriff’s Office vehicle on U.S.35 near Hoover Avenue and West Third Street. The male occupant in the bed of the truck also began unloading large wooden boards onto the roadway, attempting to strike or disable pursuing law enforcement vehicles.
Multiple sets of stop sticks were deployed by deputies during the pursuit; however, even after striking them, the suspect vehicle was able to regain traction and continue fleeing. On U.S. 35 eastbound at Abbey Avenue, the truck crossed into the westbound lanes and drove directly at oncoming traffic, narrowly avoiding several head-on collisions. Near James H. McGee Boulevard, an unmarked Sheriff’s vehicle struck the rear driver side of the fleeing truck in an attempt to disable it and prevent a potentially deadly crash.
The suspect vehicle regained control and continued eastbound in the westbound lanes of U.S. 35 before entering I-75 traveling southbound in the northbound lanes. Deputies, with lights and sirens activated, followed closely behind the truck to assist in shutting down the highway, alert oncoming traffic to the danger, and worked to stop vehicles heading towards the suspect.
At I-75 and Dryden Road, the truck struck another vehicle head on, resulting in a six-vehicle crash, including the suspect vehicle. The collision occurred as other vehicles were slowing in response to the emergency vehicles approaching with lights and sirens. Four individuals from the fleeing vehicle fled the scene on foot but were quickly apprehended by responding deputies and assisting law enforcement agencies. All four were transported to area hospitals under deputy guard. Several individuals from the other involved vehicles were also transported to local hospitals for evaluation. At this time, no injuries have been reported as life-threatening.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is handling the crash investigation. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is leading the criminal investigation. Potential charges include possession of drugs, aggravated vehicular assault, felony fleeing and eluding, and felonious assault on a peace officer. Multiple charges will be presented to the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office for formal review.
