SWAT Teams Responded in Sullivan, Ohio

On Saturday, February 21, 2026, at approximately 5:31 pm, Ashland County Sheriff Deputies stopped a vehicle on State Route 58, just north of US Route 224 in Sullivan Township. The vehicle was identified from a BOLO, being driven by 59-year-old John Bongalis, who was wanted in Erie County for outstanding arrest warrants.

 

During the stop, Mr. Bongalis was informed he was being arrested for his outstanding warrants and asked to step out of the vehicle. He refused to comply with Deputy instructions and fled from the Deputy to his residence in Sullivan Township. Deputies pursued him to the residence and attempted to persuade Mr. Bongalis to surrender to authorities.

After two hours of negotiations with Mr. Bongalis refusing to surrender to Deputies, Special Response Teams from the Ashland Police Division and Erie County Sheriff’s Office were requested to the scene.

 

Mr. Bongalis surrendered to authorities at approximately 11:29 pm, and is currently incarcerated at the Ashland County Jail pending extradition to Erie County and review of additional charges by the Ashland County Prosecuting Attomey.

 

The incident was resolved without injury to the suspect and first responders. Assisting agencies include the Ashland Police Division, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ashland County Emergency Management Agency, and the Sullivan Township Fire Department.

 

There are no ongoing safety concerns for the community.