BUCYRUS — An Upper Sandusky man was in custody after an extended high-speed chase that took place early Saturday morning and encompassed multiple counties.
Tyler Rowalt, 27, was transported to Wyandot Memorial Hospital for medical clearance before being incarcerated into the Wyandot County jail.
It all began when Bucyrus Troopers were dispatched to do a welfare check at 1:12 a.m. that stemmed from a domestic dispute. The Patrol was informed that Rowalt reportedly took his wife’s vehicle and his whereabouts were unknown.
Rowalt was reported to be impaired, emotionally distraught, and in possession of a firearm. Bucyrus Troopers located the vehicle at approximately 1:15 a.m. near Johnson Street and Summit Street in Upper Sandusky.
Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop but Rowalt failed to stop and a lengthy pursuit ensued with speeds reaching up to 120 miles per hour. At one point, the Patrol stated that Rowalt nearly struck a pursuing officer.
When the chase reached U.S. 23, Rowalt allegedly drove in opposing lanes of traffic multiple times.
The pursuit ended when Rowalt crashed into the guardrail on State Route 15 near Mile Post 18 in Hancock County. After crashing, Troopers say Rowalt ignored commands to exit the vehicle.
State Route 15 was completely closed in in both directions for approximately 90 minutes. Before surrendering to law enforcement, Troopers say Rowalt poured gasoline on himself while sitting in the vehicle and attempted to ignite it.
After receiving further verbal commands, Rowalt complied and was taken into custody without further incident. He was treated on the scene by Hancock County EMS for minor injuries. No firearms were located in the vehicle.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on the sprawling scene by the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Department and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.