Two arrested, charged after 120 mph chase from Warren to Lordstown through school yard
Warren police were involved in a high-speed chase after officers were called about a stolen 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Thursday.
A Warren officer transporting a prisoner advised officers after seeing the stolen vehicle on Elm Road in the city.
An officer responded and activated the patrol car lights and siren, and the driver of the Equinox began accelerating and a pursuit began, reaching speeds of over 120 mph on Tod Avenue, according to the police report.
The vehicle pursuit continued into Lordstown, at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The officer reported that the vehicle went off the road near the Lordstown schools, and left the road, continuing through the schoolyard to Salt Springs Road.
Lordstown police joined in the pursuit to stop the vehicle, with two of the village police cars ahead of the Warren police vehicle.
The chase continued onto Salt Springs Road, at speeds, according to the report, of nearly 100 mph, through oncoming traffic and through several stop signs and a red light at Salt Springs Road and Ellsworth Bailey Road.
The car turned onto Rosetta Blvd. in Newton Township, which is a dead end.
Two suspects exited the vehicle and officers pursued the suspects and both were apprehended.
Police arrested the alleged driver of the vehicle Derek Hopson, 27, Dawson Drive SW, and the passenger Derrick Bennett, 30, of Parkman Road NW, both of Warren. Hopson is charged with obstructing official business, having weapons while under a disability, convey/possesses weapon on school property, failure to comply with order of an officer and receiving stolen property. Bennett is charged with obstructing official business.
Police retrieved a gun allegedly tossed from the vehicle near the school running track.
Hopson entered a not-guilty plea in Warren Municipal Court Friday morning in Judge Terry Ivanchak's court.
Bennett also entered not guilty to the charge.
Both Hopson and Bennett will be back in court on June 1 at 1:30 pm.