Portage County, OH – A dangerous vehicle pursuit along Interstate 76 ended Thursday after Portage County Sheriff’s deputies and the Ohio State Highway Patrol used a precision maneuver to stop a fleeing vehicle in Palmyra Township.
According to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit began Friday, January 16, when deputies assigned to the Patrol Division and the Portage Aggressive Crime Enforcement Team (P.A.C.E.) assisted OSP with a vehicle pursuit that started on I-76 in Rootstown Township.
Authorities said the chase continued westbound on I-76 before exiting onto State Route 225 in Palmyra Township. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle reportedly suffered a deflated front tire as a result of stop sticks deployed by OSP. Despite the damage, the driver allegedly continued traveling northbound on S.R. 225.
The pursuit ended in the 4800 block of State Route 225, where a P.A.C.E. deputy successfully executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver, causing the vehicle to veer into a ditch and come to a stop.
The driver, identified as 44-year-old Jessica Irons of Streetsboro, and the passenger, 39-year-old Elisabeth Coffield of Akron, were taken into custody without further incident.
According to the sheriff’s office, narcotics were located inside the vehicle. Investigators also confirmed Irons allegedly had an outstanding felony warrant through the Portage County Sheriff’s Office for Abusing Harmful Intoxicants.
Both individuals were initially turned over to the Ohio State Highway Patrol and later transported to the Portage County Jail.
Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski emphasized that vehicle pursuits are inherently dangerous and stated the sheriff’s office will continue to assist law enforcement partners when necessary to protect public safety.
No injuries were reported.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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