A man suspected of multiple traffic violations and attempting to evade law enforcement was apprehended after a high-speed pursuit that spanned two counties early Thursday morning.
According Wayne County Sheriff, Chris Otey, Wayne County Deputies attempted to stop a motorcycle near Fairfield at approximately 12:52am on May 7th. The rider refused to pull over, igniting a traffic chase that saw the motorcycle fleeing westbound along Route 15 at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour.
The pursuit continued for several miles, with speeds varying between 80 and 100 mph. Deputies requested assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as the motorcycle entered their jurisdiction. Jefferson County deputies soon joined the chase, which persisted until the suspect eventually pulled over.
The rider refused to exit the motorcycle initially, but deputies were able to remove him and place him in custody. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Benjamin M. Smith of Mount Vernon, Illinois. Further investigation revealed that Smith had altered his license plate to hinder identification.
Smith faces multiple preliminary charges, including:
Improper signaling during several turns.
Disobeying multiple stop signs.
Engaging in aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude officers at speeds exceeding 80 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Disobeying multiple traffic control devices during the pursuit.
Altering the vehicle’s registration plates.
Operating a motorcycle with a suspended driver’s license.
Smith was transported back to Fairfield and lodged in the Wayne County Jail pending a court appearance.
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