ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A high-speed pursuit that began with a theft complaint ended in the arrest of James Tong, who was found concealed atop a pile of hay bales, officials said Tuesday.
On Monday, around 7:05 p.m., deputies were dispatched to Whetstone Road in response to a theft complaint. During the response, they were alerted that Tong, known to have several active warrants, was likely involved. Upon arrival, an officer observed Tong speeding away in a black Dodge truck. A chase ensued, leading them for roughly five miles until Tong pulled into a driveway and fled on foot into a nearby barn.
Officers, including Sgt. Kristin Adair, Sgt. Zachary McGoye, and Deputy Alan Reed, arrived on the scene and conducted a search. Sgt. Adair eventually located Tong hidden between hay bales inside the barn. He was arrested with the assistance of a Taser and taken into custody.
Upon investigation, a hypodermic syringe was found in Tong’s pocket, and another was located inside his vehicle. A bag of ginseng, which Tong admitted to harvesting illegally from private property, was also discovered in the truck. The ginseng weighed approximately 74 grams.
Residents of the address where the pursuit ended alleged that Tong had stolen several items, including a gold and diamond ring valued at $7,000, miscellaneous tools, and car keys. However, deputies were unable to locate these items during their search.
Tong was transported to Ross County Jail facing multiple charges, including possessing drug abuse instruments, fleeing, obstructing official business, ginseng violation, and his outstanding warrants related to menacing by stalking, aggravated menacing, criminal trespass, and theft.