ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A routine traffic stop on Route 159 escalated into a high-speed chase Saturday when a driver refused to stop for a deputy. The deputy, who was on routine patrol, observed a vehicle speeding northbound on Route 159 and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. But the driver continued, reaching speeds of nearly 100 mph before the deputy called off the chase near Rittenour Road.

According to a report provided to the Guardian, the incident began when the deputy noticed the vehicle traveling at an unusually high rate of speed on Route 159. When he activated his patrol lights, the deputy signaled the driver to stop. Despite repeated requests, the driver refused to comply, continued along Route 180 and accelerated to dangerous speeds.

The pursuit continued along Route 159 and Route 180 before the deputy lost sight of the vehicle near Rittenour Road. While additional Sheriff’s Office units were dispatched to monitor the surrounding area, the vehicle and its driver were not located.

The Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the suspect vehicle but urges anyone with information about the incident to contact the department.