EUCLID, Ohio (WJW) – Euclid police video from Oct. 2 shows officers as they try to box in a driver of a stolen car, but the suspect refused to stop and sped away.
Several police officers followed the suspect, who was driving around 90 mph, and in less than a minute the driver of the stolen vehicle crashes into another car, killing an innocent man. Police say Maurice Ford, 54, died shortly after the crash.
The crash took place in Cleveland, near Nottingham Road and St. Clair Avenue.
The driver took off running. Two others in the suspect’s vehicle remained inside the car.
“Our K-9 officer was able to find the suspect a few moments later,” said Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer. “I am personally, and this organization is devastated that Mr. Ford lost his life due to the actions of this suspect.”
The suspect, Jeremiah Bacon, had an ankle monitor on when he was arrested. According to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court records , the 18-year-old has a pending gun charge.
“My understanding is he was out on a personal bond when this happened,” the chief said.
Bacon is now facing a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide. The case has been sent to the Cuyahoga County grand jury and he is in being held in jail on a $500,000 bond.
We took a closer look at this case. It lasted only seconds and the crash happened with the car speeding away out of sight. But it also comes with some local leaders calling for one police chase policy for all police departments in the county.
“I am willing to be part of any conversation,” the chief said. “The issue is, though, the nature of vehicles, speed, suspects and people that aren’t following the law. You are still going to have pursuits that end this way, even when you restrict them.”
We have learned the family of the man killed plans a rally calling for an end to police chases.
The chief added that the incident, like all chases, will be reviewed.
Peggy Gallek
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