Suspect in car chase jailed in Putnam County

12/31/2004

CONTINENTAL, Ohio - A Mahoning County man remained in the Putnam County jail yesterday afternoon on several charges after leading police on a two-hour car and foot chase.

The chain of events that led to the arrest of Jason P. Dean, 25, of Lake Milton, Ohio, began shortly after 4 a.m. on State Rt. 15, east of State Rt. 115, the Putnam County sheriff's office reported.

Deputy Mark Brecht pulled over a stolen white Ford Tempo that was dragging its exhaust system and throwing sparks, said Lt. Tim Meyer. The driver pulled over but then drove away as the deputy approached the car.

Deputy Brecht pursued the car as it traveled over a set of railroad tracks, failed to negotiate the curve just beyond them, and went into the field, Lieutenant Meyer said. The driver ran away, and the deputy called for help from the Defiance County sheriff's office, which has a canine officer.

Defiance County Deputy Aaron Giesige and his German shepherd, Rowdy, tracked the driver to a barn on County Road E. The suspect was captured around 6 a.m., Lt. Meyer said. Mr. Dean faces charges of felony fleeing and eluding, auto theft, and driving under the influence.