The deputy activated sirens and lights but when the suspect appeared to go faster rather than slow down or stop, the deputy stopped the traffic stop attempt out of safety concerns, according to the sheriff’s office.
It’s unclear why the driver was going the wrong way.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Springfield Post is investigating the incident.
UPDATE @6:05 a.m.
Columbia Street has reopened in Springfield following a crash this morning.
Troopers said the driver is a Clark County resident and was not wearing a safety belt at the time of the crash.
UPDATE @5:30 a.m.
Troopers said a driver was going the wrong way down a Springfield street this morning before crashing off the side of the road.
The car came to a rest on its side on top of a tree against a fence in the 1200 block of Columbia Street. The driver, who is believed to be between 18 and 22 years old, had to be extricated from the car. He was taken to Springfield Regional Medical Center and then taken by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital.
Troopers said they estimate the driver was going between 70 and 90 mph at the time of the crash. The speed limit is 35.
FIRST REPORT
Springfield police and medics responded to a single vehicle crash early Tuesday morning.
According to initial reports, a driver was reported to be going the wrong way on Columbia Street just before 3:30 a.m. A few minutes later, police found the car had crashed and rolled onto its side in the 1200 block of Columbia Street.
CareFlight was asked to respond.
This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.
About the Author