Upper Sandusky Man Taken Into Custody After Multi-County Chase

An Upper Sandusky man is behind bars following a pursuit early Saturday morning that ended in a crash in Hancock County.

According to a release, on April 11, 2026, at approximately 1:12 a.m., Bucyrus Troopers were dispatched to a welfare check that stemmed from a domestic dispute.

Tyler Rowalt, age 27, of Upper Sandusky, reportedly took his wife’s vehicle. Mr. Rowalt was reported to be impaired, emotionally distraught, and in possession of a firearm while driving at speeds of 120 miles per hour. Mr. Rowalt’s location was unknown.

Bucyrus Troopers located the vehicle Mr. Rowalt was driving at approximately 1:15 a.m. near Johnson Street and Summit Street in Upper Sandusky. Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

Mr. Rowalt failed to stop and a lengthy pursuit ensued. At one point during the pursuit, Mr. Rowalt nearly struck a pursuing officer. When the pursuit reached US-23, Mr. Rowalt drove in opposing lanes of traffic multiple times.

The pursuit ended when Mr. Rowalt crashed into the guardrail on SR-15 near mile post 18 in Hancock County. After crashing, Mr. Rowalt ignored commands to exit the vehicle. SR-15 was completely closed in both directions for approximately an hour and a half.

Before surrendering to law enforcement, Mr. Rowalt poured gasoline on himself while sitting in the vehicle and attempted to ignite it. After receiving further verbal commands, Mr. Rowalt complied and was able to be taken into custody without further incident. He was treated on scene by Hancock County EMS for minor injuries.

No firearms were located in the vehicle. Mr. Rowalt was transported to Wyandot Memorial Hospital for medical clearance before being incarcerated into the Wyandot County jail.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Department and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.