Loudonville Man Charged After Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Pursuit
ASHLAND — A Loudonville man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he fled from an Ashland County sheriff’s deputy attempting to arrest him on an active warrant.
Derek Wayne Spreng, 45, has been charged in Ashland County Common Pleas Court with failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer, a fourth-degree felony.
According to court records, an Ashland County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped Spreng at approximately 9:33 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, on North Mount Vernon Avenue in front of Loudonville High School.
The Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office said Spreng initially turned off his truck but refused deputies’ commands to exit the vehicle. After being informed that he had an active warrant, Spreng allegedly restarted the truck and fled toward Loudonville.
Sheriff’s Office dispatch records show the vehicle traveled south on North Mount Vernon Avenue before turning east onto East Main Street. The pursuit reportedly continued at relatively low speeds, with dispatchers noting the truck passed Wally Road at approximately 23 mph.
Authorities said Spreng eventually stopped near Mickey Mart. Deputies and Loudonville police officers again attempted to convince him to exit the vehicle, but he allegedly continued refusing commands. Court records state officers deployed pepper spray before taking him into custody.
The complaint alleges Spreng willfully fled from a police officer after receiving a visible or audible signal to stop. Prosecutors are also seeking the forfeiture of the 1991 Dodge Ram 350 allegedly used during the incident.
Spreng was transported to a hospital following the arrest and was later booked into the Ashland County Jail.
During a video bond hearing Thursday morning, Magistrate Paul T. Lange set Spreng’s bond at $20,000 with a 10% option. Prosecutors had recommended a $25,000 bond.
If released, Spreng must wear a GPS monitor, observe a curfew from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m., remain in Ohio, submit to random drug and alcohol testing and refrain from operating a motor vehicle.
Spreng told the court he intended to hire an attorney. His next court appearance was scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Friday, July 31.
The charge is an allegation. Spreng is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
