Two people were charges in the Tuesday incident
Two men are in custody following a high-speed chase that started on Interstate 71 in Fayette County and ended in the north side of Washington Court House, Tuesday morning.
Authorities say Deputy Jeff Holbrook was working traffic enforcement on I-71 North near State Route 435 in Fayette County at 1:29am, when he clocked a vehicle going over 100 MPH. The deputy said he pursued the vehicle with emergency lights and sirens, but the driver refused to stop.
The pursuit continued on Interstate 71 North to Exit 75 State Route 38 NE where the vehicle exited and continued south on S.R. #38 at speeds exceeding 100 MPH at times.
The suspect vehicle fled through the Village of Bloomingburg and continued south on State Route 38 towards Washington Court House. Other deputies and officers placed "Stop Sticks" on Route 38 in an attempt to end the pursuit. After hitting the stop sticks, the vehicle tires began deflating and deputies maneuvered to block the vehicle resulting in a minor collision between the suspect vehicle and a sheriff’s cruiser, said Sheriff Vernon Stanforth.
The driver of the vehicle, 20-year-old Ryan K. Johnson, Somerville, and a passenger, 19-year-old James L. Ross, Hamilton, were taken into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported in the incident.
Johnson was charged with Fleeing & Eluding Law Enforcement (a felony), Reckless Operation, Speed, Possession of Drugs, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Ross was charged with Possession of Drugs and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Both men were transported to the Fayette County Jail where they were incarcerated in lieu of bond.
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