Police pursuit ends with pair of arrests

A police chase that started in Sidney Tuesday concluded in Auglaize County and resulted in the arrest of two from Dayton and the seizure of fentanyl and meth.

On Tuesday at around 5:49 p.m., Sidney Police Officer Benshoff observed a vehicle traveling northbound on I-75 with a cracked windshield. Benshoff pulled out after the car and the car got off at Exit 92. Officer Benshoff attempted to stop the vehicle near Advanced Auto. The vehicle turned around and got back on I-75 (northbound). The car got off northbound on County Road 25A and proceeded through Anna and Botkins. The car tried to turn west on Santa Fe New Knoxville Road in Auglaize County and went into the ditch. The occupants were then taken into custody without incident. Benshoff received assistance from the Sidney Police, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Anna and Botkins Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office.

Justin H. Rigg, 38, of Dayton was arrested on a warrant and fleeing and eluding. Harley E. Freeman, 25, of Dayton, was arrested for possession of fentanyl and possession of meth. Further charges are under review.

Auglaize County Sheriff Mike Vorhees gave credit to other departments involved in the chase, but said they have been seeing a rise in meth use in the area. Police also recently chased Benjamin Wiedenhoeft in a stolen van, who had meth possession and theft in his criminal history in other states.

Vorhees explained that the drug alters the users senses and mood and can have a lengthy high. He said the Grand Lake Task Force is working to address the rise in meth in the area.