High-speed chase driver charged with fleeing

10/10/2013

A Maryland driver who led Toledo and Oregon police on a chase Thursday was charged with felony fleeing, drug trafficking, and kidnapping, authorities said.

The pursuit began in Toledo, and police there started chasing a pickup truck about 4 p.m.

Oregon police joined the chase after the truck crossed into the city. The pickup's speed reached at least 100 mph, said Oregon police Sgt. Jason Druckenmiller.

The chase continued an additional 15 miles as the pickup traveled into Jerusalem Township, east on State Rt. 2 and then north on Decant Road, which ends in a 90-degree left turn at Cedar Point Road. Unable to make that turn, the pickup hit a tree.

The crash is being investigated by the Toledo post of the Ohio Highway Patrol. Troopers identified the driver as William Cook, Jr., 35, of Maryland, and his passenger as Shanda Myers of Cygnet, Ohio.

They were treated at Mercy St. Charles Hospital, Sergeant Druckenmiller said. The passenger was not charged, and the kidnapping charge stems from her request to be let out once the chase began, he said.

Toledo police charges were not available.