Three law enforcement agencies participated in the chase of a motorcycle traveling in excess of 100 mph at times through Bowling Green.
The pursuit ended when the a 1999 Honda CBR motorcycle, operated by Johnathan Hayes, 21, Bowling Green, crashed into road closed signs on East Poe Road at Mercer. According to Sgt. Nathan Henn, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who arrived first on the scene of the crash, Hayes sustained serious injuries including extensive road rash and was transported by Bowling Green EMS to St. Vincent’s Hospital for treatment.
Hayes faces seven charges: Failure to comply with an order or signal from a police officer; operating a motor vehicle without a valid license; reckless operation; reasonable control; left of center; stop sign violation; and turn and stop signal. Hayes turned himself in Thursday and is now at the Wood County Justice Center.
Chief Mike Campbell, of the Bowling Green State University Police, said the chase began Wednesday at about 2 p.m. A BGSU officer observed a westbound motorcycle on East Wooster near Prospect. The vehicle did not appear to have plates and was weaving in and out of traffic, including using turn lanes to pass other vehicles.
The officer attempted to stop the motorcycle. The motorcycle fled and turned north on Prospect, running every stop sign on the street. Hayes turned west on East Poe. The chase continued onto North Main when the BGSU officer ended the pursuit because of the speed, and notified other police agencies.
Henn said the state patrol headed out to locate the Honda. Henn was southbound when he spotted the motorcycle, which had slowed down, heading north. Henn turned around to stop Hayes. Other troopers had partially blocked the road at Ohio 582. Hayes turned north and headed back toward Bowling Green at a speed in excess 100 mph.
Henn said he had lost sight of the motorcycle, but saw Bowling Green cruisers with their lights on in pursuit.
Hayes turned on Poe, and headed east where he crashed. Hayes was ejected. The motorcycle proceeding about 600 feet from the point of the crash.
