WILMINGTON – An Ohio State Highway Patrol sergeant’s cruiser was struck last night at approximately 10:30 p.m. after a car-jacking suspect fled from law enforcement officers in Clinton County.

The crash occurred after the suspect crashed his vehicle along State Route 123 in Warren County, striking a utility pole and overturning. The suspect exited his vehicle and attempted to gain entry into a vehicle with four occupants and was unsuccessful. He then successfully gained entry into a Suburban from a gentleman that had stopped to render assistance. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office was notified and a Deputy spotted the stolen vehicle fleeing northbound State Route 123 and a pursuit ensued.

The suspect fled into Clinton County and headed east towards Wilmington on US 22. Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department and the Wilmington Post of the Patrol joined the pursuit.

The suspect turned onto US 68 and speeds reached 90 to 100 miles-per-hour. The suspect crashed the stolen vehicle into a guardrail and then a tree. As the suspect crashed the stolen vehicle a Patrol car stopped near the crash and was hit from behind by a Clinton County Sheriff’s Deputy. The Patrol sergeant and a new trooper in training were treated and released from Clinton Memorial Hospital. The Patrol car sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene.

The suspect was found in a bush 25 feet from the crash, and was taken into custody after resisting arrest. He was taken to Clinton Memorial Hospital and transferred to Miami Valley Hospital.

Charges against the suspect are pending and the investigation is on-going.

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