What started as a response to reckless dirt bike riding in West Mansfield on Thursday evening ended with two separate arrests — one involving a high-speed pursuit and another for underage drinking and falsification.
Just after 5 PM, deputies from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to South Main Street after reports of a red dirt bike being driven recklessly through the village.
While the bike wasn’t immediately located, a deputy parked on South Main eventually saw the red dirt bike on Center Street.
The deputy attempted to stop the bike, but was ignored.
The driver continued east, ran a red light at Main Street, and sped southbound on South Main at around 65 miles per hour, nearly double the speed limit.
With lights and sirens activated, the deputy pursued the dirt bike for about a mile onto County Road 142.
After being ordered to end the chase, the deputy backed off but continued following the bike at a distance as it appeared to experience engine trouble.
The driver, identified as 17-year-old Charles Neer, of West Liberty, eventually pulled over, was taken into custody for failure to comply, and transported to the Central Ohio Youth Center.
The bike was impounded.
While still at the scene, a tow truck operator told deputies about other dirt bikes being ridden recklessly in the area.
Deputies followed up at a home on South Main Street, where they found several dirt bikes parked in the driveway and multiple teens gathered in the backyard.
According to deputies, the group appeared to be playing a drinking game at a table with beer cans clearly visible.
When questioned, one male said he was 16, while another claimed to be 21 and gave the name Colin Hill, with a birthdate in 2000.
A records check showed the individual was actually born in 2006, making him 18.
Hill was arrested for falsification and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
He was transported to the Logan County Jail.
The remaining juveniles, all ages 16 and 17, were released to the custody of a parent.
The sheriff’s office said reckless dirt bike riding and illegal gatherings involving underage drinking will not be tolerated, warning that future incidents will result in arrests and vehicle impoundments.
