PICKAWAY COUNTY, Ohio — A high-speed pursuit on May 25, 2024, ended in tragedy as the suspect, identified as 52-year-old Leon Hettinger, took his own life in custody just hours after his arrest.
The incident unfolded around 3:30 PM when the Ohio Highway Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle on Route 23 in Pickaway County. The pursuit ensued following a suspected road rage incident.
Authorities said the pursuit reached speeds exceeding 100 mph.
In a last-ditch attempt to escape, Hettinger reportedly drove through open fields.
Upon abandoning his vehicle, Hettinger attempted to flee on foot. Deputies and troopers deployed tasers multiple times to subdue him, leading to his arrest. However, the situation took a tragic turn when Hettinger was found dead in his jail cell mere hours later, having taken his own life, according to the sheriff’s office.
Hettinger faced a slew of charges related to the chase.
The circumstances surrounding Hettinger’s alleged suicide are under investigation.
