Follow-Up: Bond Hearing for Nathan Brown in Ashland County
Joe Lyons •
August 27, 2024
Ashland, Ohio, August 27, 2024 – Nathan Brown, the man at the center of a dangerous high-speed pursuit that ended in a rollover crash, appeared before Magistrate Emily M. Bates today for a bond hearing in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas. The hearing, held via video link, comes just two days after the dramatic events that unfolded on Interstate 71 and through the streets of Ashland.
Brown faces a charge of Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer, a third-degree felony under Ohio law. According to the prosecution, the August 25th incident began as a road rage confrontation, during which Brown allegedly brandished a firearm at another vehicle. When law enforcement attempted to stop him, Brown reportedly sped away, leading officers on a dangerous chase through residential areas and a construction zone before losing control of his vehicle and rolling it.
Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell provided a detailed account of the chase during the hearing. “The chase reached speeds upwards of 100 miles per hour,” Tunnell said. “The defendant disregarded red lights and sped through a construction zone at 90 miles an hour, endangering the lives of other drivers and pedestrians.”
Tunnell pointed out, A firearm was recovered at the crash site, and Brown reportedly informed officers that his driver’s license was suspended, which he claimed was the reason he attempted to evade police.
Tunnell also highlighted Brown’s criminal history, which includes failure to appear warrants and a prior conviction for improper handling of a firearm in Portage County. Based on these factors, Tunnell requested a bond of $250,000, along with several strict conditions if Brown were to be released.
“Your Honor, the state believes that a $250,000 cash or surety bond is appropriate in this case, along with standard conditions such as GPS monitoring, a prohibition on operating any motor vehicle, and a ban on possessing firearms,” Tunnell stated. “The defendant has demonstrated a disregard for the law, and we must ensure the safety of the public.”
Magistrate Bates agreed with the prosecution’s assessment and set Brown’s bond at $250,000, either as a cash deposit or a surety bond. In addition to the monetary bond, Bates imposed numerous conditions, including:
GPS monitoring: Brown will be subject to passive monitoring through GPS, with strict curfew hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. at his approved residence.
Prohibition on driving and firearm possession: Brown is barred from operating any motor vehicle and from possessing firearms while on bond.
Substance abuse evaluation and treatment: He must undergo a drug and alcohol assessment and follow any recommended treatment plan.
During the hearing, Brown expressed surprise at the bond amount, specifically given the charge’s classification as a third-degree felony. He disputed some of the prosecutor’s claims, particularly those regarding his past failures to appear in court, stating that he was incarcerated at the time of those alleged incidents.
Brown, who has been appointed Attorney Donald Wick for his defense, is scheduled for next court appearance on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., where he will face further proceedings. Until then, Brown remains in custody, pending the fulfillment of the bond requirements and the GPS monitoring setup.. If Brown posts bond, he will be required to comply with stringent conditions, including regular court appearances and participation in a drug/alcohol assessment program.