SPRINGFIELD — Two suspects crashed their stolen vehicle into a fence in Springfield, then fled from authorities on foot Saturday overnight.
Springfield Police and the Springfield post of Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a crash near the intersection of North Bechtle Avenue and Eagle City Road at 2:08 a.m., dispatchers for state troopers confirmed.
When state troopers arrived on scene, they found two occupants who ran from the scene and the vehicle crashed into a fence near the intersection. Officers continued to search for the suspects while state troopers handled the crash report.
While investigating the incident, they discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen two hours before the crash.
Officers informed state troopers that they were attempting to stop the vehicle for a routine traffic stop after noticing their taillights were non-functional. The initial traffic stop occurred near the intersection of St. Paris Connector and North Bechtle Avenue, about 1.6 miles from the crash site.
However, the driver and passenger fled from authorities. A “pursuit” classification was not designated.
While the Springfield post of Ohio State Highway Patrol handled the crash, the Springfield Police Department led the investigation into the grand theft auto.
No suspects were arrested at the time of reporting. It was also unknown which direction the suspects fled in.
We will update this story as it develops.
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