Troopers recover 27 stolen firearms following multi-county pursuit involving stolen vehicle

ASHLAND – Troopers from multiple Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) posts arrested two Columbus residents after they fled from law enforcement in a stolen vehicle and were found to be in possession of 27 stolen firearms.

On August 3, at approximately 1:41 a.m., troopers activated their emergency overhead lights in an attempt to stop a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, which has since been identified as stolen, traveling southbound on Interstate 71 in Ashland County for distracted driving and speed violations. The driver failed to stop and a pursuit ensued.

Shortly thereafter, troopers successfully deployed a tire deflation device, which caused the vehicle to slow down, but the driver continued fleeing. The vehicle later exited the roadway, and both occupants fled on foot. The Patrol’s Aviation Section tracked the suspects from the air into Delaware County and guided troopers on the ground to their location, where they were taken into custody without further incident.

While on scene, troopers located two bags, one inside the vehicle and another that was discarded during the pursuit, containing 27 stolen firearms and a stolen taser.

The suspects, Martell Dawson, 25, Columbus, and Andez Henry 18, Columbus, were taken to the Ashland County Jail and charged with receiving stolen property and failure to comply. The incident remains under investigation.