Five suspects are in custody this afternoon after a vehicle pursuit which resulted in a traffic crash. At 1:04 p.m. today Ohio Highway Patrol troopers attempted to stop a stolen 2017 Dodge Challenger on U.S. 20 near Interstate 75.
The suspect failed to stop and fled westbound into Perrysburg at a high rate of speed. Troopers immediately discontinued the pursuit for safety reasons; however, an Ohio State Highway Patrol airplane located the suspect vehicle and tracked it down numerous streets in Perrysburg.
The suspect eventually lost control, went off the side of the road and crashed into a tree on Plum Street near Sandusky Street. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
The airplane directed ground units to the area and a perimeter was established. Perrysburg Schools were placed on lockdown and several Ohio State Highway Patrol canine units responded to the area. A canine unit was deployed and assisted locating the suspect on Willow Street in Perrysburg.
He was taken into custody without incident and identified as Demetrius Peguese, 18, from Detroit.
During the investigation, a second stolen vehicle was located and four additional suspects were taken into custody without incident. It was determined these suspects were reportedly conspiring with Peguese to sell the 2017 Dodge Challenger to an innocent purchaser.
Peguese was charged with failure to comply, a third degree felony; and receiving stolen property, a fourth degree felony. He was incarcerated the Wood County Justice Center and additional charges are pending.
The four additional suspects in the second stolen vehicle will be charged with receiving stolen property, a fourth degree felony. The investigation is on-going and additional charges for all suspects are pending.
There were no injuries as a result of the incident. Troopers were assisted by the Perrysburg Police Department and Perrysburg Township Police Department.