Chase suspect charged

WAPAKONETA - The man who led law enforcement on a chase across two counties and threatened to shoot officers has been charged with fleeing and eluding, a third-degree felony, and receiving stolen property, a fourth-degree felony.

Benjamin T. Wiedenhoeft, 30, Fort Wayne, Indiana, reportedly refused to stop for Allen County Sheriff's deputies, who were investigating a report of a stolen vehicle. The pursuit crossed into Auglaize County as the driver traveled south on I-75.

Officers from several law enforcement agencies joined in the chase in Auglaize County, according to a news release from the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office. Wiedenhoeft damaged several properties as he tried to evade the law according to the release. Highway fences and winter wheat crops were damaged and Auglaize County Sheriff's cruisers were slightly damaged.

At one point during the chase, Wiedenhoeft reportedly called 911 and threatened to shoot his pursuers and the other occupant in his vehicle if officers didn't back off, but the pursuit continued. Stop Sticks, a type of tire deflation device used by law enforcement, were deployed at several locations.

After the vehicle's tires were damaged, Wiedenhoeft reportedly came to a stop in a field south of Wapakoneta and tried to flee on foot. He was located and placed into custody, officials said. The female passenger also fled on foot but was later located and detained.

During the incident, two Auglaize County Sheriff's deputies suffered minor injuries. They have since been treated and returned to work.

Wiedenhoeft was being held Thursday in the Auglaize County jail. A 25-year-old female from Angola, Indiana, was later released.

Along with the Allen and Auglaize counties sheriff's offices, the Wapakoneta, Waynesfield and Cridersville police departments, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Wapakoneta Fire Department and EMS assisted in the chase.

The incident remains under investigation.