Man in stolen semi threw hammers during police pursuit, Ohio sheriff says

A man is facing felony charges after allegedly stealing a semi truck and leading police on a ninety-minute, multi-jurisdictional pursuit, according to the Butler County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).

Shortly before 1 p.m. on January 11, the Ohio State Highway Patrol began pursuing a semi truck reported stolen out of Indiana.

When the pursuit entered Middleton, Ohio, the Middleton Police Department joined Ohio troopers in chasing the suspect. The Trenton Police Department also joined the police pursuit.

“The suspect driving the stolen semi, attempted to thwart the pursuit by throwing hammers and a variety of tools out his window to strike the pursing units,” BCSO said.

The police pursuit entered Preble County, then re-entered Butler County.

BCSO units pursued the truck along southbound State Route 127. Stop sticks were placed, and they “took effect with the stolen semi running off the road at the third street extension just north of Black Street in the city of Hamilton.”

The entire pursuit lasted about 90 minutes.

Police arrested Joseph Allen Horton, 37, without further incident.

Horton is facing felony charges including Failure to Comply and Receiving Stolen Property.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.

“It’s a crazy world we’re living in. Our law enforcement, no matter what agency, never waivers in making our communities safe,” said BCSO Sheriff Richard K. Jones.