NEWARK – A Columbus man is charged with a crime after allegedly escaping police and reaching speeds of up to 112 mph in Licking County on February 3.
Deangleo LL Franks, 18, of Columbus, was arrested on February 3 and charged with a one-time non-compliance with an order or signal from a police officer, a third degree crime.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Licking County Common Pleas Court at around 10:45 p.m. Thursday, a sergeant from the Licking County Sheriff’s Office was sitting in his cruiser at 9600 Jacksontown Road SE in Thornville when he saw only a light blue Chevy Cobalt A working headlight and both taillights do not light up.
The officer said he pulled out behind the vehicle, turned on his overhead lights and tried to stop the traffic.
He reported the vehicle was unable to stop and accelerated to 112 mph on Jacksontown Road SE. He noted that the chase lasted approximately 6.3 miles and the speed limits were 45 and 55 mph.
“The vehicle drove past several cars that almost hit another vehicle head-on,” said the complaint. “The vehicle turned right on Linnville Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle, which ricocheted off the guardrail before attempting to drive away again.”
According to the complaint, the officer pinned the vehicle and prevented it from driving away. A teenage passenger and Franks are accused of getting off the vehicle and escaping on foot.
According to the sergeant, Franks was eventually on the 400 block on Linnville Road after MPs and Heath cops helped set up a perimeter. The agency said Franks had been taken back to the scene of the accident and allegedly allowed them to escape.
A grand jury will review the case for possible charges and possible additional charges. If convicted, Franks could face up to 36 months in prison and a fine of up to $ 10,000.
