A tense, hour-long pursuit across various counties in Ohio yesterday resulted in the arrest of a 37-year-old man who reportedly stole a semi-truck. The Butler County Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of Joseph Allen Horton, who led police on a chase that began in Middletown and ended near a local sports area known as Spooky Nook.
The chase began around 12:47 p.m., when the Ohio State Highway Patrol and local cops were informed by C-Jams Trucking Company of a missing 2013 Kenworth semi-truck. They pursued the vehicle, which was quickly trying to escape Interstate 75. According to Local12 and FOX19, authorities had to immediately deploy tire deflation devices, or stop sticks, to cease the high-speed chase on U.S. 127 near Spooky Nook.
Throughout the chase, Horton allegedly attempted to obstruct the police by tossing hammers and tools out the truck’s window. Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones took to social media to share a video of the chase, commenting on the seriousness of the situation. As the vehicle swerved recklessly through traffic, the risk to other drivers and responding officers escalated dramatically.
Horton faces charges of a third-degree felony for noncompliance and a fourth-degree felony for obtaining stolen property. While all allegations are now handled by Butler County, more charges from Middown, Trenton, and Preble County are forthcoming. Sheriff Jones’ Facebook live comment indicated a more measured conclusion to an otherwise heated incident, as the Journal-News reported.