Columbus – This upcoming Labor Day weekend, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is continuing its commitment to the What’s Holding You Back? education and enforcement campaign aimed at increasing safety belt usage in Ohio. Additional troopers will patrol Ohio’s highways in an effort to save lives on this high-volume traffic weekend.
"Society as a whole is affected by safety belt usage," Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent said. "Insurance and health care costs are significantly higher for crash victims who choose not to wear a safety belt. In addition, priceless lives are lost."
On May 2, the Patrol adopted a zero tolerance safety belt enforcement. Earlier this summer, the Patrol partnered along with 729 law enforcement agencies in Ohio that worked together in the largest high-visibility safety belt enforcement effort in Ohio history.
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, the What’s Holding You Back? campaign has contributed to a significant rise in safety belt usage in Ohio. Ohio’s current seat belt usage rate is 70.3 percent, up from 64.2 percent in April.
A total of 11 people were killed in nine crashes on Ohio’s roadways over the 2001 Labor Day holiday weekend. Of the 11 people killed, seven had safety belts available, but only four were wearing them at the time of the crash.
"If you’re not wearing your seat belt, what’s holding you back?" Col. Morckel said.
NEW PHILADELPHIA - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s New Philadelphia Post, in conjunction with the Dover Police Department and the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held tonight in Dover Township on State Route 39 at milepost 11, from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Lt. Eric Escola, commander of the New Philadelphia Patrol Post, said that sobriety checkpoints are designed to encourage those who plan to consume alcoholic beverages to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements.
"We want to discourage potential drinking drivers. That is our ultimate goal. However, the checkpoint is designed to remove impaired drivers from the road and that is what we intend to do," Lt. Escola said.
Support in conducting tonight’s sobriety checkpoint will be provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
CANTON - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Canton Post, in conjunction with the Jackson Township Police Department, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held tonight on State Route 687 between Frank Road and Everhard Road in Jackson Township, from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
Lt. Joel Smith, commander of the Canton Patrol Post, said that sobriety checkpoints are designed to encourage those who plan to consume alcoholic beverages to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements.
"We want to discourage potential drinking drivers. That is our ultimate goal. However, the checkpoint is designed to remove impaired drivers from the road and that is what we intend to do," Lt. Smith said.
Support in conducting tonight’s sobriety checkpoint will be provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
XENIA - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Xenia and Dayton Posts, in conjunction with the Sugarcreek Township Police Department, Centerville Police Department, and Greene County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held tonight on Wilmington Pike, just north of Interstate 675, from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Lt. Christopher Colbert, commander of the Xenia Patrol Post, said that sobriety checkpoints are designed to encourage those who plan to consume alcoholic beverages to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements.
"We want to discourage potential drinking drivers. That is our ultimate goal. However, the checkpoint is designed to remove impaired drivers from the road and that is what we intend to do," Lt. Colbert said.
Support in conducting tonight’s sobriety checkpoint will be provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
CANTON - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Canton Post, in conjunction with the Jackson Township Police Department, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Stark County on Friday, August 23, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Joel Smith, commander of the Canton Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Smith said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning.
XENIA - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Xenia and Dayton Posts, in conjunction with the Sugarcreek Township Police Department, Centerville Police Department, and Greene County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Greene County on Friday, August 23, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Christopher Colbert, commander of the Xenia Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Colbert said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning.
NEW PHILADELPHIA - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s New Philadelphia Post, in conjunction with the Dover Police Department and Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Tuscarawas County on Friday, August 23, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Eric Escola, commander of the New Philadelphia Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Escola said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning.
Columbus – Two in-car videos released today by the Ohio State Highway Patrol depict dangerous drivers on Ohio roadways. The Patrol hopes these videos will raise public awareness of highway safety.
The first video segment, which ends in a dramatic crash, shows a trooper following a stolen vehicle at 2:28 a.m. on August 18. Tpr. Albright, of the Dayton Patrol Post, attempted to stop a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee for driving without headlights. The driver of the stolen vehicle sped up to approximately 90 mph and led Tpr. Albright on a 1.2-mile pursuit, which lasted 45 seconds. The suspect attempted to make a left hand turn into a private drive, but lost control and drove directly into a Fifth Third Bank. Subsequent investigation revealed the driver had stolen the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
"Patrol in-car videos enable the public to see the dangers of impaired drivers that troopers witness all too often on Ohio Roadways," Col. Kenneth Morckel, Patrol Superintendent said. "In addition to constantly working toward making our roadways safe, this weekend the Patrol is holding three sobriety checkpoints across the state to remove impaired drivers from our roadways, as part of our year-long commitment to stepped-up DUI enforcement."
The second video segment follows an impaired driver on Interstate 71 in Morrow County on August 9. Tpr. Heck of the Delaware Patrol Post spotted a ‘93 Ford Ranger driving erratically. Tpr. Heck turned on his Patrol car lights to stop the suspect. However, the driver, Aaron Seifert, who later tested a 0.215 blood alcohol content, continued driving for several miles before he stopped. Seifert repeatedly swerved outside of his lane, showing the effects and dangers of driving while impaired.
Cambridge – A Noble Correctional Institution (NCI) inmate and his wife were indicted on several felony charges for planning to commit an armed robbery. NCI inmate Michael Shane Bowling, a.k.a. Michael Thundercloud, 30, and his wife, Kathryn S. Bigham, a.k.a. Kathryn Thundercloud, 34, of Lancaster, were both charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, second-degree felonies; illegal conveyance of a weapon onto the grounds of a detention facility, a fourth-degree felony; and possessing criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.
Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators initiated an investigation in January after they obtained information that the couple was planning a July 1 armed robbery. Bowling was scheduled for parole release on July 1.
When Bigham arrived at NCI to pick up Bowling on July 1, a search warrant allowed a search of Bigham and her vehicle. The search revealed a ski mask, gloves, dark clothing, boots, and a semi-automatic handgun. Bowling asked his wife to bring the items to the institution.
Also on July 1, search warrants were obtained for Bigham’s residence in Lancaster; an apartment in Zanesville, where the two planned to move; and a residence in Columbus. Investigators gathered correspondence between Bowling and Bigham, which included details of the planned robbery. A search of a Columbus residence, at 886 Lockbourne Rd., on July 2 revealed an additional firearm that the inmate planned to use in the robbery.
Bigham was indicted by a Noble County Grand Jury on four felonies on July 9. Bowling was indicted on the same four felonies on August 14.
Bigham is being held at the Guernsey County Jail. Bowling remains incarcerated at the Noble Correctional Institution. If convicted of all four charges, both Bigham and Bowling could face up to 18 and one-half years in jail and a $37,500 fine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
COLUMBUS — Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, announced today that troopers will operate three checkpoints to deter and intercept drinking drivers this weekend. Currently, the locations of the upcoming checkpoints are undisclosed. The counties in which the checkpoints will be held will be announced the day prior to the checkpoints, and the exact locations will be announced the morning of the checkpoints.
"It is our intent to inform people that troopers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. As part of our heightened enforcement efforts, this year the Patrol plans to more than double the 19 sobriety checkpoints we coordinated in 2001. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Colonel Morckel said.
Lt. Governor, Maureen O’Connor, Director of the Department of Public Safety, feels very strongly that checkpoints are effective in preventing the most deadly highway practice; driving under the influence. "Our ultimate goal is to reduce the number of highway deaths and injuries due to drunk and drugged driving. The combination of sobriety checkpoints, heightening public awareness and strictly enforcing laws is making the difference," Director O’Connor added.
Support in operating the upcoming sobriety checkpoints will be provided by local law enforcement agencies.
BATAVIA – Two girls who were missing overnight from a camping trip at East Fork State Park in Clermont County were located at approximately 9:00 a.m. today.
A preliminary investigation revealed Samantha Hoffman, 8, of Norwood, and Clair Spatt, 9, of Milford, left their family camp site at approximately 8:30 p.m. Friday. Family members contacted the Park Ranger's Office at 10:00 p.m., upon which time a search was initiated that included the Clermont County Sheriff's Office, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Williamsburg Fire Department, and the East Fork Mounted Search and Rescue Team. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was asked to assist at 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
The girls were found two miles from their camp site at approximately 9:00 a.m. Saturday by horseback riders who had heard news coverage of the search. The girls were reported to have visible scratches, but otherwise appeared uninjured.
The Patrol said their investigation will continue.
Warren – A Warren woman was scheduled to be arraigned this morning in the Warren Municipal Court on felony charges after she was arrested yesterday for conveying drugs onto the grounds of the Trumbull Correctional Institution. Troopers charged Deborah E. Smith, 47, with conveying drugs onto the grounds of a correctional facility, a third-degree felony, and drug trafficking, a fifth-degree felony.
During an inmate visitation at 1:40 p.m. yesterday, Troopers observed Smith with a package believed to contain illegal drugs. Troopers at the scene subsequently took her into custody. A search revealed seven balloons which contained various drugs, including crack-cocaine, marijuana, xanax, and LSD.
Smith was incarcerated at the Trumbull County Jail. If convicted of both felonies, she could face up to six years in prison and a $12,500 fine.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state owned and leased property.
WARREN – The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Jasper Motorsports, and Formula
Marketing unveiled a new safety belt awareness poster today at the New Sharon
Speedway as part of a safety partnership between the organizations. The Partners
for Safety poster is being unveiled to coincide with the start of the new
school year as part of the second year of the Patrol's award-winning Teen
Driving Program.
"This partnership is an excellent way to remind the motoring public, and teen drivers specifically, that wearing a safety belt is the best way to protect yourself while in a motor vehicle. This poster, combined with efforts like the state's What's Holding You Back? program, will help better educate motorists in Ohio on the importance of buckling up. We are grateful that Jasper Motorsports, and Dave Blaney, have joined us in this important safety venture," Col. Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent, said.
NASCAR Winston Cup driver Dave Blaney, and Tpr. Jon Gray, Highway Patrol Findlay District Trooper of the Year, are featured on the poster, along with the slogan, "Professional Drivers Buckle Up!"
"Jasper Engines and Transmissions, along with Dave Blaney and Jasper Motorsports, is pleased to be associated with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Partners for Safety safety belt message. Part of our Mission Statement is, '…never-ending improvements in safety, quality and customer service.' Safety of our associates is number one. So we are very excited about having Dave and our racing program help promote this program," Doug Bawel, President of Jasper Engines and Transmissions, and Jasper Motorsports, said.
As the school year commences, state troopers throughout Ohio will be distributing the posters in high schools as part of safe driving presentations. Jasper Motorsports will also distribute posters at events during the remainder of the NASCAR Winston Cup season.
| What: | Unveiling of the Partners for Safety Ohio State Highway Patrol/Jasper Motorsports safety belt poster and partnership. |
| When: | Thursday, August 15, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.. |
| Where: | New Sharon Speedway 3301 Custer Orangeville Road Hartford, Ohio |
| Who: | Dave Blaney, Jasper Motorsports and NASCAR
Winston Cup driver Jim Stevenson, Formula Marketing Representatives of the Ohio State Highway Patrol |
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Jasper Motorsports, and Formula Marketing will announce a safety partnership by unveiling a safety belt awareness poster. The Partners for Safety poster is being unveiled to coincide with the start of the new school year as part of the second year of the Patrol's award-winning Teen Driving Program.
NASCAR Winston Cup driver Dave Blaney, and Tpr. Jon Gray, Highway Patrol Findlay District Trooper of the Year, are featured on the poster, along with the slogan, "Professional Drivers Buckle Up!" The poster unveiling is part of Tony Stewart Night at the New Sharon Speedway, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Both Blaney and Stewart will race in the event.
As the school year commences, state troopers throughout Ohio will be distributing the posters in high schools as part of safe driving presentations.
BUCYRUS – Tprs. Morris Johnson and Matthew Ruth of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Bucyrus Post were honored today with Certificates of Recognition for their quick and decisive action in evacuating two buildings threatened by fire on April 28. Capt. Robert Maxey, commander of the Patrol’s Bucyrus District, presented the certificates on behalf of Colonel Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent, at a ceremony held today at the Patrol's Bucyrus District Headquarters.
On April 28, Tpr. Johnson was on patrol on State Route 61 in Galion when he spotted a burning car directly in front of an apartment building. Tpr. Johnson called for assistance, made sure the vehicle was vacant, then turned his attention to the apartment building. He ran to the back of the building where he discovered a man trying to exit a window to escape the deteriorating conditions inside.
Tpr. Ruth arrived on the scene and forced his way through heavy smoke and intense flames. After kicking in the door to the building, he quickly located the resident at the window with Tpr. Johnson and led the man from the building. Both officers then rushed to a nearby tavern and evacuated its occupants. Tprs. Johnson and Ruth were recognized today for the professional manner in which they handled this serious situation.
Tpr. Johnson joined the Patrol in March 2001 as a member of the 137th Academy Class. He received his commission the following September and was assigned to Bucyrus. A native of Clyde, N.Y., he graduated from Clyde Savannah High School in 1990, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from St. John Fisher College. Tpr. Johnson now resides in Mansfield with his wife Mia. His three children are: Mariah, 9; Isaiah, 5; and Tysac, 3.
Tpr. Ruth joined the Patrol in April 1998 as a cadet dispatcher assigned to Bucyrus. He entered training in June 1999 as a member of the 134th Academy Class and received his commission the following December. He has been assigned to Bucyrus throughout his career. A native of Nevada, Ohio, he graduated from Wynford High School in 1996. Prior to joining the Patrol, Tpr. Ruth served with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office. Tpr. Ruth now lives in Upper Sandusky with his wife Amber.
MASSILLON – Investigators from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Massillon Police Department continue to investigate a double-fatal shooting incident that occurred last night in Massillon.
Donald W. Matthews, 61, of Canton, and Massillon police officer Eric Taylor, 31, were killed following an exchange of gunfire after a pursuit. Matthews was armed with a Czechoslovakian CZ-762x25 semi-automatic military handgun.
"Last night we experienced the tragic loss of a fellow law enforcement officer," Col. Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent said. "The Highway Patrol joins all Ohioans in mourning the loss of Officer Taylor, whose heroic actions were serving to make our state and his community safer."
Tpr. Joseph Hershey, 25, of the Patrol's Wooster Post, attempted to stop a 1992 Ford Taurus driven by Matthews at 8:28 p.m. Friday for a speeding violation on State Route 21 at Edwards Road in Wayne County. Matthews refused to stop and continued southbound on State Route 21 into the city of Massillon, at which time Massillon police officers joined the pursuit.
Officers continued to pursue until Matthews stopped in a parking lot at Cherry Road and 1st Street. Matthews exited the vehicle firing his handgun at the officers. Gunfire was returned by Tpr. Hershey and several Massillon police officers, during which time both Matthews and Taylor, a four-year veteran of the Massillon Police Department, were fatally wounded.
Tpr. Hershey, who was not physically injured, has been with the Highway Patrol since March 2001. Funeral arrangements for Officer Taylor will be forthcoming from the Massillon Police Department.
MASSILLON – A press conference is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. today at the Patrol's Massillon District Headquarters, at 4300 Lincoln Way West in Massillon, regarding the double-fatal shooting incident last night at Cherry Road and 1st Street in Massillon.
Representatives from the following offices and agencies have been invited to participate in the press conference: Massillon Mayor's Office; Massillon Safety Director's Office; Stark County Prosecutor's Office; Stark County Coroner's Office; Massillon Police Department; and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
All inquiries should be directed to the press conference.
MASSILLON – Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers are investigating a double-fatal shooting incident that occurred last night in Stark County.
A Massillon police officer and a suspect were killed following an exchange of gunfire, which involved a trooper, several Massillon police officers, and the suspect. Next of kin have not been notified.
Troopers attempted to stop the suspect at 8:22 p.m. on State Route 21 at Edwards Road in Wayne County. The suspect failed to stop and continued southbound on State Route 21 into the city of Massillon, at which time the Massillon Police Department joined in the pursuit.
Officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle. The vehicle stopped at Cherry Road and 1st Street, in a parking lot. The suspect exited the vehicle firing a weapon at the officers.
A Trooper and several Massillon police officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect.
A press conference is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. at the Patrol’s Massillon District Headquarters, at 4300 Lincoln Way West in Massillon. All inquires should be directed to the press conference.
MASSILLON – Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers are investigating a shooting incident that occurred tonight in Stark County.
Troopers attempted to stop a suspect at 8:22 p.m. on State Route 21 at Edwards Road in Wayne County. The suspect failed to stop and continued southbound on State Route 21 into the city of Massillon, at which time the Massillon Police Department joined in the pursuit.
Officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle. The vehicle stopped at Cherry Street and 1st Street, in a parking lot. The suspect exited the vehicle with a weapon.
A Trooper and a Massillon police officer fired at the suspect. The suspect and Massillon police officer were injured in the shooting.
A press briefing is scheduled for 1:00 a.m. at the Patrol’s Massillon District Headquarters, at 4300 Lincoln Way West in Massillon. All inquires should be directed to the press briefing.
MARION – Marion Post Troopers located George and Elizabeth Sisler driving their 1999 Buick Century at 9:46 a.m. this morning on State Route 4, north of Marion.
The Sislers, of Worthington, were reported missing by their family. The Worthington Police Department entered the couple as missing persons.
They have been transported to Marion General Hospital for observation.
MARION - The Ohio State Highway Patrol released a composite sketch, and is requesting help in finding the suspect in a fatal hit-skip crash that occurred at the intersection of Dry Lane and Marseilles-Galion Road on Friday afternoon. He is wanted on felony forgery charges in addition to questioning in connection with the fatal crash.
The suspect is believed to be a Hispanic male, approximately 5' 8", about 180 pounds, with a November 8, 1980 birth date. He has been charged by the Marion County Prosecutor's Office with felony forgery, with a bond set at $250,000, for presenting a fictitious Resident Alien Card to his former employer, Buckeye Egg Farm. The suspect is believed to be with his girlfriend who is not wanted on any charges.
Patrol investigators believe the suspect was northbound on Dry Lane at approximately 4:00 p.m. Friday and ran a stop sign at Marseilles-Galion Road, striking the victim who was on a motorcycle travelling eastbound on Marseilles-Galion Road. The suspect then allegedly pulled the rear license plate off of the vehicle and fled the scene. No witnesses to the crash have been located, and the suspect is believed to be attempting to leave the area to avoid prosecution. He is the registered owner of the pickup truck involved in this crash.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Lt. Kenneth Garloch at the Marion Patrol Post at (740) 383-2181.
COLUMBUS – The Patrol met with several agencies this morning and decided the Franklin County Sheriff and Prosecutor’s Office will handle all charges related to Friday’s incidents involving Hermando C. Harton. However, no charges have been filed at this time.
Today’s decision was a result of a meeting with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, the Franklin and Morrow County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Franklin and Morrow County Prosecutor’s Offices.
"The cooperative effort by all participating agencies helped resolve this tragic situation," Col. Kenneth L. Morckel, Patrol superintendent said.
The Patrol said Harton, 39, held two handguns during the Interstate 71 standoff. Harton had a Smith & Wesson 9 mm in one hand and a Smith & Wesson .45-caliber semi-automatic weapon in the other hand.
Sgt. Brian J. Darby and Tpr. Michael D. Kemmer, the two Patrol officers involved in the shooting incident on Friday, have been placed on paid administrative leave. The Patrol will provide them with critical incident counseling.
The incident began Friday morning at a truck stop on State Route 95 and Interstate 71 in Morrow County. Harton reportedly fired at Morrow County Sheriff's deputies, and then stole a marked sheriff's vehicle. Patrol troopers pursued him north on Interstate 71 through Morrow, Richland, and Ashland counties.
Troopers used tire-deflating devices to end the pursuit near the northbound Interstate 71 rest area in Ashland County. Following a standoff, Harton fled the vehicle on foot. Sgt. Darby and Tpr. Kemmer shot him a short time later after he pointed both weapons at officers on the scene.
ASHLAND - Sgt. Brian J. Darby, a 16-year Patrol veteran currently assigned to the Bucyrus Post, and Tpr. Michael D. Kemmer, a four-year Patrol veteran currently assigned to the Mansfield Post, were the two Patrol officers involved in the shooting incident in Ashland County earlier today. Both officers are also assigned to the Patrol's Special Response Team.
Hermando C. Harton, 39, is in custody at the Cleveland Metro Health Medical Center with charges pending through the Morrow and Ashland county prosecutor's offices. The ongoing investigation involves the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Franklin, Morrow, and Ashland county sheriff's offices. All lanes of Interstate 71 are now open.
The incident began early this morning at a truck stop on State Route 95 and Interstate 71 in Morrow County. Harton reportedly fired at Morrow County Sheriff's Office deputies, and then stole a marked sheriff's vehicle. Patrol troopers pursued him north on Interstate 71 through Morrow, Richland, and Ashland counties.
Troopers used tire-deflating devices to end the pursuit near the northbound Interstate 71 rest area in Ashland County. Following a standoff, Harton fled the vehicle on foot. Sgt. Darby and Tpr. Kemmer shot him a short time later after he pointed two weapons at officers on the scene.
This morning's incident is related to an ongoing homicide investigation being conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
ASHLAND - Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, along with officers from the Franklin, Morrow, and Ashland county sheriff's offices are investigating a shooting that occurred this morning near the Interstate 71 rest area in Ashland County. Troopers said Hermando C. Harton, 39, is in custody at the Cleveland Metro Health Medical Center. Charges are pending through the Morrow and Ashland county prosecutor's offices.
The incident began early this morning at a truck stop on State Route 95 and Interstate 71 in Morrow County. Harton reportedly fired at Morrow County Sheriff's Office deputies. He then stole a marked sheriff's vehicle and Patrol troopers pursued him north on Interstate 71 through Morrow, Richland, and Ashland counties.
Troopers used tire-deflating devices to end the pursuit near the northbound Interstate 71 rest area in Ashland County. Following a standoff, Harton fled the vehicle on foot. State troopers shot him a short time later after he pointed two weapons at them.
The far right lane of northbound Interstate 71 is open, and the other lanes remain closed as the investigation continues. Northbound traffic is being re-routed onto U.S. Highway 30 east, to State Route 511 north, to U.S. Highway 42 north, to State Route 250 east, back onto Interstate 71.
This morning's incident is related to an ongoing homicide investigation being conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
ASHLAND - A press briefing is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. today at the Ashland County Justice Center, which is one-half mile west of the Ashland Patrol Post on U.S. Highway 250, regarding the incident earlier today near the northbound rest area near U.S. Highway 30 on Interstate 71. All inquiries should be directed to the press briefing.
Troopers said the suspect in the incident is in custody, and EMS workers are assisting investigators at the scene.
ASHLAND - A portion of Interstate 71 northbound is closed in Richland and Ashland Counties due to an ongoing incident across from the northbound rest area near U.S. Highway 30.
The incident began earlier this morning at a truck stop on State Route 95 and Interstate 71 in Morrow County. The suspect reportedly fired at Morrow County Sheriff's Office deputies, who returned fire. The suspect then stole a marked sheriff's cruiser and Patrol troopers pursued him north on Interstate 71.
Troopers used tire-deflating devices to end the pursuit near the northbound Interstate 71 rest area in Ashland County. The suspect is presently barricaded inside the vehicle. Investigators from the Franklin, Morrow, and Ashland county sheriff's offices are assisting state troopers at the scene.
Northbound traffic is being re-routed onto U.S. Highway 30 east, to State Route 511 north, to U.S. Highway 42 north, to State Route 250 east, back onto Interstate 71.
A media staging area has been established south of the scene, in the northbound lanes of Interstate 71.
PORTSMOUTH - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Portsmouth Post, in conjunction with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Scioto County on Saturday, August 3, to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Robert Woodford, commander of the Portsmouth Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Woodford said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Saturday morning.
ZANESVILLE - The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Zanesville Post, in conjunction with the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Department, announced today that a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Coshocton County tomorrow to deter and intercept impaired drivers. Lt. Barry Donley, commander of the Zanesville Patrol Post, said that officers will be conducting a roadside check of drivers for alcohol and drug impairment.
"It is our intent to inform people that officers will be vigilant in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. We want to impress upon those who will be consuming alcohol to plan for a designated driver or to make other arrangements," Lt. Donley said.
The exact location of the checkpoint will be announced Saturday morning.