OHIO — A high-speed chase in Hardin County ended with the arrest of a man Thursday after deputies discovered drugs and a weapon, according to the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said a deputy on routine patrol observed a Chevrolet SUV traveling at a high rate of speed on a rural county road and attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
The driver, later identified as 40-year-old Daniel Murphy, allegedly fled by turning into a driveway in the 18000 block of County Road 146 and continuing down a farm lane into a large open field.
Despite signals to stop, deputies said Murphy continued driving until a second deputy arrived. The two deputies coordinated to block possible exits from the field, effectively containing the vehicle.
Officials said Murphy eventually exited the SUV holding a handgun but returned to the vehicle and called 911. A dispatcher communicated with Murphy and convinced him to discard the weapon and surrender.
Murphy exited the vehicle again and was taken into custody without incident.
Deputies later determined the gun was an airsoft pistol. A search of the vehicle also revealed drug paraphernalia and a suspected controlled substance, according to authorities.
Murphy was transported to the Multi-County Correctional Center in Marion, where he awaited arraignment. He faces multiple traffic violations and criminal charges.
The incident remains under investigation.
