ASHLAND — A pursuit deterred last night by severe weather and aided by K-9 units and drones early this morning ended with a suspect taken into custody at the Ashland County Jail. 

According to a press released submitted by the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, the saga began on Wednesday, July 20 at 5:29 p.m. when Deputy Dudte attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation that occurred at SR 60 & Kimber Lane in Hayesville, Ohio.

The driver pulled into a driveway and took off running into a wooded area. The deputy pursued the driver and lost sight of him as they entered the heavily wooded area.

With the assistance of the State Highway Patrol, Mifflin Police Department, and the ACSO drone team the area was secured and searched.

Three other occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody. Drugs were found in the car and were taken to the Sheriff’s Office.

“The occupants were questioned by detectives and the driver was identified as Caleb Hale of Shiloh, Ohio,” the press released stated. “We learned that Caleb had active felony warrants from Shelby Police Department, Richland County and Adult Parole Authority.”

After a search, the suspect was not located, and the search was called off due to severe weather.

On Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 1:43 a.m. information was received that Caleb was at the Bell Store in the City of Ashland. Ashland County Deputies and the Ashland Police Department responded along with the Ashland Fire Department using their drone to search the area.

In a search of the area, officers located a still running 4-wheeler that was later reported stolen from Hayesville. The items found in the 4-wheeler were items that Caleb had just purchased in the Bell Store.

At 7:48 a.m. deputies located Caleb on Lee Ave and Main Street. Deputies and K-9 units again got into a foot pursue and Caleb was taken into custody. A canister of white pills was found near the spot where Caleb was taken into custody.

Caleb was transported to the Ashland County Jail for processing. A criminal case will be submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office for review.