The suspect in a Boardman domestic violence investigation is hospitalized with severe head injuries after authorities say he fled while being chased by police.

Darnell Lamont Walker, 54, of Struthers was trapped between the steering wheel and floorboard of his car that drove into a flatbed truck at Lake Park Road and Thalia Avenue just after 12:30 a.m.

Rescuers said smoke was coming from the car and they were concerned it would catch fire before they could extricate the victim.

It took first responders about a half hour to remove Walker from the wreckage.  Walker was immediately flown to a hospital by a medical helicopter. 21 News is working to get an update on Walker’s condition.

An officer said that the accident happened as he was chasing Walker’s car at speeds as high as 85 miles per hour.  The officer says the chase lasted less than a minute before Walker’s car crashed.

Police say they went after Walker as he was driving away from Afton Avenue, where he had allegedly assaulted two women, one of whom is pregnant. Both women refused medical treatment.

In addition to domestic violence, Walker is expected to face charges of strangulation, reckless driving and failure to comply with a police order.

 

Stay connected with 21 News and the 21 News App for more on this developing story.