MANSFIELD, Ohio — Two people were arrested following an early morning chase that came to an end along I-71.
Authorities say the situation started around 2:36 a.m. when troopers with the Mansfield post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop for alleged traffic and equipment violations on I-71 South near mile post 161 in Richland County.
“The vehicle stopped in the right lane momentarily, then fled southbound,” according to the Highway Patrol. “The pursuit continued to SR 95 in Morrow County at a high rate of speed and swerving across lanes.”
That’s when authorities say the vehicle then exited 95 and traveled to I-71 North and stop sticks were used to slow the vehicle. The pursuit continued on I-71 where authorities say the passenger jumped from the vehicle and was taken into custody near mile post 177.
“The driver continued northbound for less than a mile when permission was given to intentionally force the vehicle into the guardrail,” authorities said.
After disabling the vehicle, authorities say 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,” authorities said. “He was apprehended without incident.”
Authorities say the driver, a 32-year-old man from Cleveland, was "found to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol and has an active felony warrant for his arrest." He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries and intoxication, authorities said, while also noting that charges will be requested through the Richland County Prosecutor's Office.
The passenger, a 38-year-old man from South Euclid, was released with a summons for drug possession.
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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated article on April 7, 2022.
