CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – A high-speed chase through the streets of Chillicothe early Thursday morning resulted in a near city-wide power outage after the fleeing vehicle struck a utility pole. The incident began when a police officer observed a black Volkswagen with only daytime running lights illuminated traveling southbound on Bridge Street.

According to a police narrative by, the pursuit began near the Olive Garden on North Bridge Street when the driver, identified as Richard Rowland Jr., failed to stop for a traffic signal and fled from the police. The chase reached speeds exceeding 100 MPH and continued for over two miles before ending in a crash on East Water Street.

The chase came to an abrupt end when Rowland’s vehicle collided with a utility pole at the intersection of Water and Brownell Streets, causing the pole to break and resulting in a power outage that affected much of the city.

Rowland attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after breaking the vehicle’s front passenger window. He was taken into custody and transported to the Ross County Jail. Rowland admitted to driving at high speeds and fleeing from police but denied being under the influence of alcohol, although he did reportedly admitted to taking Gabapentin for back pain.

The collision caused extensive damage to Rowland’s vehicle, with both front and side airbags deployed. Officers conducting an inventory of the vehicle discovered several items, including two cell phones, vape devices, and a wallet containing Rowland’s ID, which were all placed into evidence.

Rowland was subsequently transported to Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) for medical clearance due to abrasions on his chest and to provide a blood sample for testing. He was later cleared and returned to the Ross County Jail, where he faces multiple charges, including Failure to Comply (F3) and OVI. He also has a warrant for a probation violation related to an earlier assault charge.

The power outage affected many residents and businesses throughout Chillicothe, highlighting the broader impacts of the chase.