Suspect who died after crashing car while fleeing police identified as Lance Braswell

Vehicle struck utility pole trapping driver, suspected in assault

A Toledo Edison worker secures a pole today in the 500 block of West Bancroft Street in Toledo after a driver crashed into it while fleeing police.

Lance Braswell, 34, of 2906 Warsaw St., Toledo, died today after crashing his vehicle into a utility pole while fleeing police who had initially responded to his alleged involvement in an assault.

Toledo police, medical emergency crews and Toledo Edison crews are at the scene of the crash, which occurred just before 12:30 p.m. on West Bancroft Street between Collingwood Boulevard and Parkwood Avenue in central Toledo, authorities said.

Shortly after noon, Toledo police got a call about an assault at Sherman and Walnut streets. A police crew in the area headed in that direction and saw the suspect drive from the scene in a dark-colored SUV. After the vehicle drove in circles in the Seaway Market parking lot on Cherry Street, witnesses reported that the driver took off westbound on Bancroft at speeds anywhere between 60 to 80 mph, with two Toledo police vehicles in pursuit.

Police said the suspect apparently lost control of the vehicle in the 500 block of Bancroft Street and crashed into a Toledo Edison pole. He was extricated from the vehicle by the Toledo Fire Department, and was transported to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 12:51 p.m.

The victim from the original assault, Shelisa Garth, whom police believe is the girlfriend of the suspect, suffered minor injuries in the assault.

Bancroft Street is closed this afternoon between Collingwood Boulevard and Parkwood Avenue.