Fleeing man crashes car into vehicle, injuring 2

5/27/2003

LIMA — A Lima man led Ohio Highway Patrol troopers on a 41/2 -mile chase yesterday morning before crashing his car into another vehicle.

Trooper K.J. Jackson spotted a vehicle driven by Scott Smith, 18, of Lima, parked with his flashing lights on in the median of southbound I-75 near State Route 81. When Trooper Jackson knocked on Mr. Smith's window, Mr. Smith took off, and Trooper Jackson pursued.

Mr. Smith exited I-75 at west|bound Route 81, went north on Sugar Street, and then east on Bluelick Road, where he swerved to avoid two vehicles at a stop sign and struck a west|bound vehicle driven by Charles Mason, 62, of Dayton.

Mr. Mason; his wife, Ruth, 59, also of Dayton, and Mr. Smith were treated at Lima Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Smith was charged with fleeing and eluding a police officer and driving under the influence, troopers said.