NOBLE COUNTY, Ohio (AVC News) — An 18-year-old is facing multiple charges after deputies said he led them on a pursuit reaching speeds of up to 90 mph.
According to Noble County Sheriff Jason Mackie, Sgt. Justice May observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Marietta Road south of Belle Valley.
When deputies attempted to catch up with the vehicle, the driver accelerated to about 90 mph and passed other motorists, according to the sheriff’s office.
The vehicle later turned onto Reservoir Road, where deputies said it reached speeds of about 85 mph on the semi-paved, often graveled roadway.
After traveling a significant distance, the vehicle pulled into a nearby driveway and stopped.
The driver and passenger were detained, and the driver was identified as 18-year-old Elijah S. Danford.
Deputies said they found broken glass bottles that had contained alcoholic beverages, with liquid still inside the vehicle. Investigators also reported multiple violations of Ohio liquor laws.
Danford was taken to the Noble County Jail and charged with tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; failure to comply with an order or signal of a law enforcement officer, a fourth-degree felony; underage possession of alcohol, a third-degree misdemeanor; and open container in a motor vehicle, a minor misdemeanor.
Danford also received citations for speeding, unsafe motor vehicle, a muffler violation and improper passing or driving in the left lane.
The passenger was released at the scene.
Last Updated on August 13, 2026 by AVC News
