Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
Man flees Wapak courthouse, leads police on I-75 chase
By William Kincaid
WAPAKONETA - A 36-year-old Michigan man, after having his bond revoked Tuesday afternoon, allegedly jumped through a courthouse window, hopped into his vehicle and led authorities on a multi-county pursuit before being nabbed nearly 60 miles later in Wood County and slapped with a pair of felonies.
Nathaniel Nix, of Detroit, appeared for an arraignment on drug charges in Auglaize County Common Pleas Court. The judge revoked Nix's bond and ordered him into custody, according to an Auglaize County Sheriff's Office news release.
Before deputies arrived on scene, Nix shortly after noon reportedly broke out a courthouse window, jumped through it and fled on foot. Deputies spotted Nix in the courthouse parking lot and attempted to place him into custody.
Nix, however, was able to get in his vehicle and accelerated in an attempt to flee, the release states. A deputy attempting to remove Nix from the vehicle was briefly dragged, reportedly sustaining minor injuries.
A traffic pursuit ensued through the streets of Wapakoneta, onto Interstate 75 and through multiple jurisdictions until Nix's vehicle reportedly became mechanically disabled in Wood County. Nix was then taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Wood County Jail.
Nix was hit with two felony charges, failure to comply with the order or signal of a police officer and taking the identity of another, and a misdemeanor charge of forgery, according to the Wood County Sheriff's Office website.
Multiple agencies assisted in the incident which remains under investigation, according to the release, adding that no further comments can be made at this time.
Earlier in the afternoon, Nix pleaded not guilty to two counts of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony; and falsification, a first-degree misdemeanor, Auglaize County online court documents show. The court initially continued bond as previously set in Auglaize County Municipal Court, provided Nix submit to drug testing Tuesday.
After testing positive for alcohol, marijuana and amphetamine, the court went back on record, terminated Nix's bond and ordered him into the custody of the sheriff for reconsideration of bond after he tests clean, court documents show.
Nix fled the courtroom against direct orders to remain seated.
Having violated the conditions of his bond and fled the courtroom, the court ordered a bench warrant issued for Nix's arrest. The bench warrant was issued, according to court documents.
Auglaize County Public Defender Nick Catania filed a motion to withdraw as counsel.
