The Allen County Sheriff's Office states that he refused to stop during a traffic check in Bluffton around 11:57 pm Friday, and proceeded to flee from an officer. During the chase, he began shooting at the pursuing officer. Powell's car stopped on Bentley Road south of Hillville Road, where he and a female exited the vehicle. After Powell exchanged gunfire with the officer, both he and the woman fled east into a wooded area. The woman, identified as 32-year-old Amanda Wrede, was later captured.