Findlay High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Lima

On 2-3-2026 at approximately 8:18 pm, Findlay Police Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a dark gray, 2019 Ford Escape in the 1200 block of W. Main Cross St. for a marked lanes violation.

The Ford failed to stop for the officers and entered I-75 southbound. A 30.1 mile, 18 minute pursuit ensued down I-75 southbound, exiting at Bluelick Rd. in Lima, Ohio.

The pursuit continued west on Bluelick Rd. and came to an end when the driver crashed just west of N. Sugar St. The driver was later identified as Da’Shawn Pitts Sr. (32 yoa) of Lima, Ohio.

Da’Shawn fled the crash on foot to the south. A drone being operated by the Lima Police Department located Da’Shawn hiding in thick brush along a nearby pond.

Findlay Police Department K9 Axel was deployed to this area and commands were given to Da’Shawn. He complied with orders and was taken into custody without further incident.

Da’Shawn was transported to Lima Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

After his release from the hospital he was taken to the Hancock County Jail and incarcerated on the following charges:

Aggravated Possession of Drugs- Felony of the second degree

Tampering with Evidence – Felony of the third degree

Failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer – Felony of the third degree

During the pursuit speeds reached in excess of 110 MPH.

The Findlay Police Department was assisted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Lima Police Department, Bath Township Fire Department, and Dick’s Towing of Findlay.