GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio — A Tuesday afternoon narcotics interdiction operation led to a high-speed pursuit and the arrest of two Akron men following a crash in Gallia County.
According to the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, deputies were conducting proactive drug enforcement operations when they attempted to stop a vehicle registered out of New York on Raccoon Road in Clay Township.
Authorities say the driver refused to stop and fled, initiating a pursuit.
During the chase, occupants of the vehicle were observed throwing suspected narcotics and firearms from the window. The pursuit ended after the vehicle crashed into a guardrail on Neighborhood Road in Green Township.
Both occupants were taken into custody without further incident.
A search of the vehicle reportedly resulted in the recovery of additional narcotics and a semi-automatic handgun. Officials state that all discarded evidence, including a firearm thrown from the vehicle, has been located and secured.
The individuals arrested have been identified as:
- Amir Xavier Terrell Peake, 26, of Akron, Ohio
- Silas Dangelo Hardiman, 21, of Akron, Ohio
Authorities report Peake had active warrants for parole violations at the time of the arrest.
Both men were transported to Holzer Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. Charges are pending consultation with Gallia County Prosecuting Attorney Jason Holdren.
The U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force stated it remains committed to targeting narcotics trafficking and criminal activity impacting communities across southern Ohio.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
