MIAMI COUNTY — A high-speed pursuit that began in Shelby County and passed through Piqua ended with a crash at the intersection of Ohio 718 and Washington Road in Troy.
The suspect vehicle crashed into a tree near that intersection, not far from Concord Elementary School, at approximately 10 a.m. Friday. The suspect, Michael Cotterman, 45, was immediately taken into custody. Cotterman was taken by an ambulance squad from the scene.
The incident began when a Sidney police officer observed Cotterman and Jody Napier-Bunnell, 45, in the area of the Hilltop Apartments in Sidney at approximately 9:25 a.m. According to a press release from the Sidney Police Department, the officer was aware that they were wanted on Miami County warrants. When the officer approached them, the subjects fled in an automobile.
A vehicle pursuit was initiated, and the suspect vehicle fled eastbound on State Route 47. The suspect’s speed was in excess of 90 miles per hour. The suspect attempted to turn northbound on Sidney-Freyberg Road when the suspect vehicle crashed into the guardrail, temporarily ending the pursuit. As officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, the suspect put the vehicle in reverse and rammed two Sidney police patrol cars, disabling both vehicles, according to the press release. Another Sidney officer was arriving and was able to take over the pursuit.
At this time, units from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the pursuit. Sidney officers pursued the suspect through several miles of county roads ending up on County Road 25-A. The pursuit then headed southbound on Interstate 75.
The suspect continued southbound on I-75 and reached speeds near 90 miles per hour while driving on and off the roadway. The suspect exited I-75 at U.S. Route 36 and headed into downtown Piqua. The suspect reportedly struck at least one parked vehicle and two houses during the pursuit through Piqua, according to the press release. The pursuit continued on Washington Road in Miami County until the crash at Ohio 718 and Washington Road. Before the vehicle crashed, there were also reports that heavy smoke was emitting from the vehicle and that the two passenger side tires were flat.
The driver and the passenger were taken into custody without incident. Units from Ohio State Highway Patrol, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Miami County Sheriff’s Department, Miami County Parks Department, Troy Police Department, and Piqua Police Department also assisted in the pursuit and apprehension of both suspects who have been transported back to Sidney.
Multiple criminal charges are currently pending.
