HIRAM, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating after a fleeing vehicle intentionally struck a patrol car and escaped during a pursuit Friday afternoon.
Around 3:09 p.m. troopers observed a white Chevrolet Malibu driving east on Interstate 80 in Streetsboro, traveling 104 mph in a 70 mph zone, troopers said.
Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the Malibu fled and a pursuit began. Shortly after it began, troopers had to stop the pursuit due to the rate of speed, amount of traffic on the highway and the wet road conditions, according to troopers.
The Malibu exited the highway at the state Route 44 toll plaza and was held up at the toll gate, so troopers attempted to stop the vehicle a second time.
As troopers attempted to make contact with the driver of the Malibu, the driver accelerated forward, striking the vehicle ahead of it. The driver then reversed and struck the trooper’s car.
The passenger of the Malibu attempted to exit the car while it was stopped at the toll booth and was injured in the process. He was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and later released.
Troopers said the man is cooperating with them in the investigation.
The Malibu fled north on SR 44, according to troopers.
A search of the area was conducted but authorities were unable to locate the vehicle.
The trooper and the driver of the vehicle the Malibu struck were not injured in the incident, which remains under investigation.
