DELAWARE, Ohio — An Atlanta man is behind bars in Delaware County after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers say he led them on a wild high-speed chase in a stolen minivan.
It started as a traffic stop in the area of Polaris Parkway and Gemini Place around 1 a.m. Tuesday. Troopers tried to stop a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica that was reported stolen in Euclid, Ohio.
The driver initially stopped near Sancus Blvd., but then took off at a high rate of speed, according to court documents. The ensuing pursuit went to speeds up to 100mph. Troopers say the driver went left of center of extended periods, through residential yards and neighborhood roads.
According to a criminal complaint, troopers on the ground eventually backed off and let the patrol’s aviation unit track the vehicle. The vehicle was tracked by plane into a wooded area and into a residential complex.
The driver, identified as 21-year-old Donay E. Johnson, was located hiding behind a house. He was arrested and initially charged with receiving stolen property. Johnson is also wanted in Cuyahoga County for failing to appear for a sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to fleeing and eluding charges from two different police chases in Parma and Cleveland Heights.
Prosecutors in Delaware County are asking for a $100k bond. An initial court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.