CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – On February 6, 2025, a routine traffic monitoring operation near South Paint Street and 5th Street escalated into a high-speed pursuit, culminating in a vehicle crash and the discovery of narcotics and a stolen firearm.
An officer observed an SUV traveling northbound on Paint Street at 39 mph in a 25 mph zone. Upon initiating a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated, turning onto West 4th Street without stopping at the intersection, and continued westward. The officer temporarily deactivated emergency lights but soon spotted the SUV with hazard lights on and the passenger door open near Main Street.
Witnesses reported seeing a male driver and a female passenger fleeing the scene on foot. The female was apprehended and identified as Holly Imboden, while the male driver, identified as Kirby Smith, remains at large.
A search of the immediate area revealed a black magnetic box containing multiple bags of white and orange powders, suspected to be narcotics. Additionally, a loaded .22 caliber Ruger SR22 handgun reported stolen, was recovered north of the intersection of High and West 2nd Streets.
Inside the abandoned vehicle, officers found identification cards belonging to Smith, a dark blue Samsung cellphone on the driver’s floorboard, .22 caliber ammunition, syringes, and suspected THC products.
Imboden, officers said, waived her Miranda rights and disclosed that Smith had attempted to open his door during the pursuit but was unable due to prior damage from a crash. He then instructed her to open the passenger door, through which he discarded various items before fleeing.
Smith has prior convictions, including robbery and drug-related offenses, which prohibit him from possessing firearms. Authorities plan to pursue charges related to drug possession, weapons under disability, and receiving stolen property against him. The investigation is ongoing, with officers reviewing surveillance footage and seeking public assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chillicothe Police Department.