OHIO — A K-9 unit and multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in a high-speed pursuit and major drug and weapons arrest Monday afternoon in Portage County, according to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the incident began around 4:12 p.m. when K-9 Cavo and his handler assisted with a traffic stop on westbound Interstate 76 near State Route 225 in Palmyra Township for an equipment violation. The driver was identified as 36-year-old Kyle Virden of Ravenna, who deputies said was on parole for drug trafficking and weapons offenses. The passenger was identified as 39-year-old Adrien Hobdy of Akron.
Authorities said both individuals fled the scene, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit that exceeded 100 miles per hour. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed near a Hampton Inn in Brimfield Township. Following a foot pursuit, Virden was taken into custody by the Brimfield Township Police.
Deputies said a search of the vehicle revealed approximately one pound of fentanyl, 94 grams of cocaine, 181 grams of methamphetamine, more than 75 MDMA tablets, two pistols with extended and drum magazines, and $1,770 in cash.
Virden was charged with multiple felony counts, including trafficking in drugs, aggravated possession, weapons under disability, and failure to comply. Hobdy was also charged with multiple felony counts, including trafficking in drugs, aggravated possession, and weapons under disability.
Portage County Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski praised the work of K-9 Cavo and his handler, sheriff’s office dispatchers, deputies, and assisting agencies. He also thanked motorists traveling on I-76 for remaining alert and moving over during the pursuit.
