An Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 9th, on US Route 224. That traffic stop turned into a pursuit that reached single digit speeds.
The male driver, later identified as Levi Veer, 39, of Davenport, Iowa, fled from Deputies at 3mph, with speeds reaching 9mph, in his 2013, White Ford Fusion.
The pursuit started around 5am, when the Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop. The male could be seen making hand gestures, according to the Sheriff’s Office report. With speeds maintaining 3mph, the Deputy was giving verbal commands to pull the vehicle over, with Levi Veer yelling back and disregarding commands.
By 5:08am, the pursuit crossed State Route 58, still going Eastbound on US Route 224, reaching speeds of 4mph.
Around 5:11am the pursuit was still going Eastbound on US Route 224, passing Township Road 481, with speeds still at 4mph.
Around 5:12am, the pursuit briefly stopped at the Dollar General store, at 477 US Route 224, then continued at 4mph.
Around 5:14am, the pursuit passed 469 US Route 224, maintaining the speed of 4mph.
Around 5:23am, the pursuit ended at 415 US Route 224.
The 25 minute pursuit covered nearly a mile, and ended with Levi Veer being arrested and held on Fleeing and Eluding.
Our next M25OC distribution of fresh, nutritious fruits and veggies is coming to Ashland this Saturday – Saturday, July 22nd, from 10 am to 1:00 pm at Luray Lanes (we’ll be outside in the parking lot).
We invite you to join us, bring your friends, neighbors, co-workers, church family and family serving and sharing God’s love with the people of Ashland.
As always, we can use your help to spread the news and tell others about this event and the work of Matthew 25 Outreach Center by forwarding this along to others.
Come out and help bag up produce or sort the fun food.. We need your help and support!
If you would like to volunteer, and help with this produce distribution, please meet us at 8 am, Saturday, July 22nd.
Have you read about the stories that are unfolding as we work together to share God’s love with the people of Ashland and Mansfield?
Age: 38
White / Male / 6’0” / 200 / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service and the Ohio Department of Corrections on the charge of possession of drugs F2
Ties to the Mansfield.
Steven Drummond Age: 26
White / Male / 5’9’’ / 160 / Brown Hair / Blue Eyes
Wanted by the U.S Marshals Service and Richland County Sheriff’s Office for failure to register F2.
Ties to Mansfield area and Gibsonton FL.
Loretta Webb Age: 22
5’3’’ / 150 / White / Female / Brown Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by U.S Marshals Service and the Ohio Department of Corrections on the charge of escape F5
Ties to the Mansfield area
Marquise Morris Age: 34
Black / Male / 6’ / 165 / Black Hair / Brown Eyes
Wanted by the U.S. Marshals and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office for felonious assault F-2
Ties to Mansfield and Oxon Hill MD.
Reward money is available for information directly leading to an arrest. Anyone with information concerning any of these fugitives can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force office at 419-774-3565 or the tip line at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833) or you can send a web tip at the following webpage http://www.usmarshals.gov/district/oh-n/index.html.
The NOVFTF Akron Division consists of the following federal, state and local agencies:
United States Marshals Service, Mansfield Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Richland County Probation, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Bucyrus Police Department, Galion Police Department, Huron County Sheriff’s Office, Lexington Police Department, Loudonville Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Willard Police Department and Crestline Police Department.
Milton Township – On Friday, July 14, 2023 at approximately 7:57 p.m., the Ohio State Highway Patrol Wooster Post was notified of a serious injury crash on Township Road 73 (Eby Road), just south of State Route 604 in Milton Township, Wayne County. Initial reports indicated a child was struck by a pickup truck.
The initial on-scene investigation revealed a silver 2019 Ford F-150 pickup was traveling south on Township Road 73 (Eby Road) from State Route 604. The pedestrian, a 15-month-old child, was standing in the road when he was struck by the F-150. Sterling Fire and EMS personnel responded and Life Flight was immediately summoned to the scene. The child was flown to Akron Children’s Hospital where he died the following day.
Further investigation revealed the child had walked away from a nearby home and the 17-year-old caregiver was unaware he was in the road. The driver of the Ford F-150, Brian Polen, 43, Smithville, and his passenger were not hurt. The F-150 was towed from the scene by TNT Towing as standard procedure for the investigation.
The crash and the events that led up to the death of the child remain under investigation.
Ashland Public Library’s annual end-of-summer-reading event, Touch-A-Truck is back for its 20th year! The library will be hosting an abundance of vehicles on Ashland Main Street on August 5, 2023 from 10am to 1pm with a designated quiet hour 10am to 11am.
The library is excited to be at a brand new location for the 20th year of this celebration. Touch-A-Truck vehicles will be parked along Main St. with the road closed from Claremont Ave. to Center St.
This fun and interactive event is for the whole family. Kids of all ages are invited to climb on, sit behind the wheel of, and explore a variety of fantastic vehicles, all from local businesses and organizations. Plus get the inside scoop on what it’s like to operate them from the drivers!
Many local organizations are donating their time to exhibit their vehicles during the event, including some old friends from previous Touch-A-Truck events as well as a few new friends. Several different police vehicles, construction vehicles, a school bus, a fire truck, and so much more.
The Friends of the Ashland Public Library will be downtown sharing information about the Public Book Sale running from 9am-4pm inside the library. There visitors can find books, audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs available for purchase. The Friends will also have a special giveaway for children.
The event would not be complete without the library’s own Bookmobile and Outreach vehicles, which are used throughout the Ashland at community stops, lobby stops, outdoor programs, and community events.
While you’re there don’t forget to hop aboard the Bookmobile where you can browse library materials, check out items, and collect any final Summer Reading rewards.
Aaron Drushell’s trial has ended in a mistrial, when the jury could not agree.
No decision has been made to retry the case.
Aaron Drushell, 34, was indicted on March 11, 2022 in the Ashland County Common Pleas Court before Judge David R. Stimpert for Rape, a first-degree felony, Sexual Battery, and Tampering with Evidence. Then on June 9, 2023, the State of Ohio reindicted Drushell, charging him with five counts of Rape, one count of Kidnapping, one count of Tampering with Evidence, and one count of Gross Sexual Imposition.
Drushell’s bond is set at $25,000, and is represented by Attorney James Mayer.
Drushell goes on unpaid leave from the Ashland Fire Department after indictment.
The allegations were originally charged in Court under Case No. 22-CRI-078 by Indictment on March 11, 2022.
Drushell turned himself in on March 14, 2022, and on the same day posted bond. Trial was scheduled for June 21, 2022.
On May 24, 2022, Drushell requested his first continuance, which was granted by this Court, and trial was rescheduled for August 23, 2022.
On August 4, 2022, Drushell again requested a continuance, which was granted by the Court, and the matter was rescheduled for trial on November 15, 2022. In both motions, the Drushell waived speedy trial time during the continuance period.
On October 17, 2022, the State of Ohio filed a motion to continue the trial citing a medical condition of the Richland County Prosecuting Attorney Gary Bishop, whose office is serving as special prosecutors in this case and an extended leave pursuant to the Family Medical Leave Act, whose office is serving as special prosecutors in this case
On November 15, 2022. The State then moved for a second continuance on April 10, 2023.
June 30, 2023, Drushell Attorney, James Mayer files motion to dismiss for lack of speedy trial as to new charges (Reads as follows:)
“Aaron Drushell is guaranteed the right to a speedy trial under the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution and Article 1, Section 10 of the Ohio Constitution. This constitutional safeguard has been codified in R.C. § 2945.71, which mandates that Defendant be brought to trial within 270 days.
On March 11, 2022, in Case No. 22-CRI-078, the Defendant was charged in a three count Indictment with one count of Rape, one count of Sexual Battery, and one count of Tampering with Evidence.
Subsequently, on June 9, 2023, the State of Ohio reindicted the Defendant, as Case No. 23-CRI-162, charging him with five counts of Rape, one count of Kidnapping, one count of Tampering with Evidence, and one count of Gross Sexual Imposition. The new and additional charges in the second Indictment stem from the same facts and circumstances as the initial Indictment.”
Hospital will continue to offer other comprehensive women’s services for patients
ASHLAND, Ohio–University Hospitals (UH) Samaritan Medical Center has made the difficult decision to discontinue labor and delivery services next month. The last expectant patient will be accepted Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 and these services will be discontinued Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.
“Our UH Samaritan labor and delivery care team is dedicated to this community, and we are very proud of the outstanding care they have provided to our patients and families,” said Sylvia Radziszewski, RRT, MBA, Chief Operating Officer, UH Samaritan Medical Center. “Hospitals across the country are experiencing a trend of declining birth rates. This, along with staffing shortages, have resulted in having to make this difficult decision. We appreciate the sense of loss the community may experience. We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality care and patient experiences through a variety of other comprehensive women’s services.”
Providing birthing services to patients requires 24/7 coverage from OB/GYN and pediatric physicians to ensure appropriate support for mom and baby during routine and unexpected labor and delivery events, such as emergency cesarean sections. Due to a variety of factors, UH Samaritan has been unable to fill enough staffing positions at Samaritan to continue to offer labor and delivery services.
The only existing service that would not occur on campus is delivering babies. UH Samaritan will continue to offer comprehensive women’s and children’s services, including OB/GYN physician and midwife care, GYN surgical services, and breastfeeding and lactation services.
“Our top priorities are ensuring the highest quality birth experience for our patients and families, and maintaining employment for our dedicated and talented labor and delivery staff,” said Patti DePompei, RN, MSN, President, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s and UH MacDonald Women’s hospitals and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation Chair in Leadership and Innovation.
UH Samaritan physicians, midwives, nurses and other caregivers will be coordinating with patients directly on their care transition plans at OhioHealth and other nearby hospitals. Impacted caregivers will have the option to find other opportunities, either within the UH system, with OhioHealth, or outside of UH, depending on their preference.
Ashland Police Division Officers and Detectives responded to 967 Grove Avenue, on Friday 07/07/2023, around 2pm, at the request of the Mansfield Adult Parole Authority.
Mansfield Adult Parole Authority said that Adam Devore had a warrant for a Parole Violation.
APD had the road shut down at East 10th Street, at Grove Avenue, while the warrant was being served.
Although a request for information was made the same day, info wasn’t released until the following Monday, with no other information other than, “Narrative assisted APA in locating and arresting Adam Devore.”
The Mansfield Division of Police would like to remind the community of the likelihood of road closures and traffic delays due to this weekend’s “INKcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival” which is being held at the historic Ohio State Reformatory located at 100 Reformatory Road.
Olivesburg Rd/ State Route 545 will be closed during the festival beginning at 8:00 AM on Friday, July 14th until 4:00 AM on Monday, July 1 7th . There will be temporary road closures and traffic lane changes during each night for egress out of the parking lots off of N. Main St/S.R. 13 and on 5th Ave at U.S. 30. Due to the high volume of traffic, delays in the area surrounding the site of the event is expected to occur during this same time period.
The areas most impacted by delays are expected to be State Route 13 north of Harker St to Harrington Memorial Rd; State Route 545 between Wayne Street and Piper Road; E. Longview Ave between N. Main St. and Olivesburg Rd; and U.S. 30 between U.S. Route 42 and N. Trimble Road in both directions. It is recommended that local motorists take an alternate route to avoid the expected traffic congestion in these areas over this weekend.
Joe Lyons •
July 18, 2023
ASHLAND -Join us Saturday, July 22nd!
As always, we can use your help to spread the news and tell others about this event and the work of Matthew 25 Outreach Center by forwarding this along to others.
Milton Township – On Friday, July 14, 2023 at approximately 7:57 p.m., the Ohio State Highway Patrol Wooster Post was notified of a serious injury crash on Township Road 73 (Eby Road), just south of State Route 604 in Milton Township, Wayne County. Initial reports indicated a child was struck by a pickup truck.
Hospital will continue to offer other comprehensive women’s services for patients
The Mansfield Division of Police would like to remind the community of the likelihood of road closures and traffic delays due to this weekend’s “INKcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival” which is being held at the historic Ohio State Reformatory located at 100 Reformatory Road.