A Port Clinton man was arrested Saturday (12/13) after allegedly leading Bowling Green Police on a high-speed chase, crashing into the front porch of a home in Portage, then fleeing on foot.
Police attempted to pull over a Dodge Caliber driving without taillights Friday around 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of East Clough Street and South Main Street in Bowling Green. When the officer activated his lights, the driver, Jamar Muse, 20, reportedly ran the red light at Washington Street and South Main, then rapidly accelerated.
The officer in pursuit reported the driver hitting 63 mph at Ordway Street, and 80 mph just south of Napoleon Road. The Dodge began weaving through traffic, reaching speeds of approximately 110 mph. The driver continued out of the city, southbound on Ohio 25, at speeds close to 120 mph.
In Portage, the driver reportedly attempted a left turn onto Water Street in Portage, failed to maintain control, drove into a yard, went airborne after driving over the base of a tree, and came to rest in the front yard after striking the front porch of a home.
The driver got out of the car and reportedly began running southbound through a backyard. The BGPD officer then saw movement in the passenger seat of the car, and stayed with that man, Anthony Graeter, 21, of Fostoria. Graeter, who had a felony warrant out of Seneca County for grand theft of a motor vehicle, denied knowing the driver. He was taken to Wood County Hospital to be cleared medically, then taken to Wood County Jail.
Law enforcement conducted a search for Muse, and deployed drones, but were unable to find him. The next day, at 5:45 a.m., the Wood County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a male matching Muse’s description walking on U.S. 6, west of Bowling Green.
Muse reportedly told police he ran through the Portage park, then hid in the woods south of the village. He then began walking home, but realized later that he had walked six hours in the wrong direction.
Muse was arrested for failure to comply with a police order, obstructing official business, driving without a valid license, reckless operation, speed and failure to stop at a stop sign. He was taken to Wood County Jail.
