OHIO — A man with an active felony warrant is in custody after police say he injured two officers, rammed patrol vehicles and led authorities on a brief pursuit early Thursday morning.
According to the Defiance Police Department, officers arrested Matthew Kiessling at approximately 12:46 a.m. following a traffic stop that escalated near South Clinton Street and Downs Avenue.
Police said the incident began around 12:42 a.m. when an officer stopped a 2007 Ford F-150 at the Marathon gas station at 1163 South Clinton Street. The driver was identified as Kiessling, who authorities said had an active felony warrant out of Henry County for attempted burglary, a fifth-degree felony.
Officers informed Kiessling he was under arrest, but police said he refused commands to exit the vehicle and actively resisted. During a struggle at the driver’s door, Kiessling allegedly put the truck in reverse and accelerated, striking two officers with the open door and causing injuries.
Authorities said he then rammed two marked Defiance police cruisers before fleeing westbound at a high rate of speed, creating what police described as a significant danger to officers and the public.
The vehicle was later located in the 1100 block of Holgate Avenue. Police said Kiessling fled on foot but was found hiding beneath a nearby vehicle after a coordinated search that included a K-9 unit. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Both injured officers were treated at a hospital and released. Two patrol cruisers sustained damage.
Kiessling was transported to the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio. In addition to the Henry County warrant, charges including assault on officers, failure to comply and vehicular assault are being submitted to the Defiance County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The incident remains under investigation. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Defiance Police Department at 419-784-5050.
