LIMA, Ohio (WLIO)- Findlay police say a motorcyclist fled a traffic stop Thursday evening, leading to a high-speed pursuit and ending in a fatal crash.
Justin Eckhart, 42, of Sylvania, was initially pulled over near West Crawford and South West streets for not displaying a license plate. Police say Eckhart refused to stop, reaching speeds of up to 150 mph. He headed north on Interstate 75, then east on County Road 99 before turning south on County Road 236. Officers lost sight of the motorcycle near State Route 12 and terminated the pursuit.
Approximately six minutes later, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal crash at the intersection of U.S. 224 and Township Road 259. Mary Taylor, 77, of Fostoria, was driving a minivan eastbound on U.S. 224 and was turning north onto Township Road 259 when Eckhart, attempting to pass several vehicles behind her, collided with the driver’s side of her van.
The impact separated Eckhart from his motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Taylor was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Findlay police confirmed that Eckhart was the motorcyclist involved in the earlier pursuit.
