Man flees vehicle after traffic stop

6/20/2013
BLADE STAFF
A photo of the suspect who fled a traffic stop on I-280.
A photo of the suspect who fled a traffic stop on I-280.

Ohio Highway Patrol troopers are continuing to search for a man who they say attempted to pull a loaded handgun on a trooper during a traffic stop today on I-280, and then escaped the scene on foot.

Patrick Laverne Hammond, 42, of Lorain, Ohio, should be considered armed and dangerous, troopers are reporting. He was pulled over at the intersection of I-280 and the Ohio Turnpike in Wood County at 2 p.m. before he fled the scene. Mr. Hammond was last seen running northwest from the turnpike.

Troopers said he is currently on federal probation for armed robbery.

The patrol is warning Toledo area residents to be on the lookout for Mr. Hammond. He was last seen wearing a light blue long-sleeve shirt and dark blue pants.

The patrol is searching the area with assistance from Toledo and Lake Township police departments.