MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A multi-shift investigation into suspected drug trafficking culminated in a high-speed vehicle pursuit and the seizure of a firearm, cash, and roughly seven ounces of illegal narcotics early Sunday morning, according to law enforcement officials.
The incident began around 12:54 a.m. when Officer Pelphrey attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle flagged by second- and third-shift officers who believed it was actively involved in drug distribution.
Instead of pulling over, the driver immediately fled the scene. The ensuing pursuit spanned the west side of Marion County, briefly crossing county lines into neighboring Union County before looping back into Marion County.
The chase came to an abrupt end just outside the village of LaRue. Investigators said the fleeing driver turned down a dead-end road and drove directly into a cornfield. The suspect then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, but was caught and detained by Officer Pelphrey after a short foot chase.
Following the arrest, a tow crew pulled the vehicle out of the field. K9 Shanel was deployed to conduct a “free air sniff” around the exterior of the car, giving a positive indication for the odor of narcotics.
A subsequent search of the vehicle and the driver yielded approximately seven ounces of suspected methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Officers also recovered a firearm, equipment used in the manufacturing of illegal drugs, and nearly $5,000 in cash.
