ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A routine traffic stop on Route 159 escalated into a high-speed pursuit Saturday when a driver refused to pull over for a deputy. The deputy, who was on routine patrol, observed a vehicle speeding northbound on Route 159 and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver continued, reaching speeds of nearly 100 mph before the deputy called off the pursuit near Rittenour Road.
According to a report provided to the Guardian, the incident began when the deputy noticed the vehicle traveling at an unusually high rate of speed on Route 159. Upon activating his patrol lights, the deputy signaled the driver to pull over. Despite multiple prompts, the driver refused to comply, continuing along Route 180 and accelerating to dangerous speeds.
The pursuit continued along Route 159 and Route 180 before the deputy lost sight of the vehicle in the vicinity of Rittenour Road. While additional sheriff’s office units were dispatched to monitor the surrounding area, the vehicle and its driver were ultimately not located.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details about the suspect vehicle but is urging anyone with information on the incident to contact the department.