ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — Ross County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle without any working backlights on Route 41 near Tong Hollow Road on March 15, 2023. The driver, however, refused to stop and led the deputies on a high-speed chase through Bainbridge.
According to the deputies, they spotted a dark red two-door hatchback with no rear or brake lights and no license plate turn onto Route 41 north from West Third Street. As the vehicle continued north, the deputies activated their emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver accelerated at a high rate of speed and continued north on Route 41 past Falls Road.
Deputies notified dispatch of the situation but were unable to see any distinguishing features about the driver or their front seat passenger. The vehicle had dark areas, possibly painted black or gray, on its trunk and passenger side, and it also appeared to have several dents on both doors and fenders. The small car was observed traveling left of center several times and well above the posted speed limits of the area.
Once the deputies reached the 7000 block of Route 41, they lost sight of the vehicle. They turned off their emergency lights and siren and continued to patrol the area. Greenfield PD and OSP were advised of the situation, and residents in the 9000 block of Route 41 advised that the vehicle drove past their home still going north on Route 41 at a high rate of speed.
Law enforcement searched the area for the vehicle but it was not located. A BOLO with this limited information was issued, and follow-ups will be completed if additional information is obtained. The case remains under investigation at this time.
The Ross County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information on the vehicle or its driver to come forward and contact them immediately.
