Teen Suspect Runs Away, Evades Arrest After Crashing Into Tree During Police Chase
BEDFORD TWP. (WWJ) - Authorities in Monroe County are asking the public for help in locating an 18-year-old suspect who evaded arrest following a police chase.
Jonah Bartlett, of Toledo, is wanted on various charges but police are especially concerned because they found a note left behind at the scene of a crime indicating he intended to harm himself.
Bartlett is described as a light-skinned black male, 5'8" tall and 160 lbs. with dark hair and blond highlights. He was last seen wearing a maroon shirt and dark pants. He may not be wearing any shoes.
Police say Bartlett first landed in their radar around 4:40 p.m. Monday when officers located his vehicle parked suspiciously at the abandoned Star Motel on Telegraph and Stoney Creek roads.
A Monroe County Sheriff's deputy approached and briefly made contact with Bartlett, who then sped away from the scene. The deputy chased after Bartlett for approximately 20 miles until the teen lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree near Smith Road and Lewis Avenue, just north of the Ohio border. After the collision, police say Bartlett jumped out of the vehicle and took off on foot.
Deputies along with Toledo Police officers searched the area but were unable to locate Bartlett.
Hours later around 9:30 p.m., a witness told police they saw Bartlett running north from the Smith Road Elementary School into a nearby neighborhood. Deputies responded to the area and discovered that Bartlett apparently attempted to steal a van in the school parking lot. Deputies also recovered a note left behind by Bartlett, who threatened to harm himself.
Deputies do not believe Bartlett is armed but they are concerned for his safety.
Anyone who knows of Bartlett's whereabouts or who has any other information is urged to contact police at 734-243-7070 or call 911.