A simple traffic stop last Thursday in Pike County led to a full-on police chase with a gun-toting suspect. Pike County Sheriff James E. Nelson said it all started when Chief Deputy Barbee made a traffic stop on Ganderhook Road.
The Chase
As Barbee approached the vehicle, he saw that the driver had a shotgun. The man then floored it and proceeded to drive right over a concrete retaining wall. Police said the guy did heavy damage to the vehicle. The man then fled his broken ride on foot, taking the shotgun with him.
Additional Pike County Sheriff’s Deputies and members of the Piketon Police Department arrived on the scene. During the response to the crime scene on Ganderhook Road, a deputy was involved in a traffic crash on St. Rt. 220 at Zahn’s Corner. The deputy and the driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injures in the crash.
At the time, law enforcement was not sure if the man ran away into the woods or if he’d taken refuge inside a residence. Officers held the scene while a search warrant was obtained.
After the Portsmouth Special Response Team was asked to give mutual aid and declined, the Chillicothe Police Special Response Team arrived to check the residence and clear the scene. They were unable to locate the suspect. However, the Sheriff said they know exactly who the guy is: Nathan Nelson, 23. According to police, Nelson has a long rap sheet that includes the following crimes:
- Assault on a police officer
- Having weapons under a disability
Warrants have been issued for Nelson’s arrest.
Secure Your Stuff
Nelson also reminded residents to be cautious with their property. “Do not leave the property in vehicles such as phones, iPads, tablets, etc., that are visible from the outside. If you need to leave something in your vehicle, place it in the trunk where it is secure and cannot be seen. And never leave your keys in your vehicle.”
Additionally, the Sheriff said it is important to record the following information about your property.
- Make, model and serial numbers of firearms
- Brand name and serial number of TVs and other electronics
- Vehicle identification numbers as well as vehicle tag numbers of all motor vehicles
- Identifying numbers of power tools and lawn equipment
The Sheriff advised residents to make a list of all of their property and put it in a safe place.