Intoxicated teen driver apprended after leading law enforcement on high speed chase
On Nov. 1, 2026, at approximately 1:42 a.m., Pike County deputies along with the Waverly Police Department were led on a high speed chase of suspect Jace Lawson, 18, of Piketon. Law enforcement pursued Lawson for dangerous driving and excessive speeds of 84 mph in a 50 mph zone on US 23. Deputies and officers continued to pursue Lawson, who operated a black 2012 Honda Accord onto Ohio 32 westbound, reaching speeds exceeding 120 mph. Lawson then pulled his vehicle to the side of the road near by Meade Road. As the deputy exited his cruiser and approached Lawson's vehicle, he accelerated and took off again. While fleeing from officers, Lawson attempted to strike one of the Waverly cruisers with his own vehicle. Lawson was finally apprehended in Pike County on state Route 32 near a rest area. He was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody without further incident. Lawson was transported to Adena Pike Emergency Room where he was medically cleared. Lawson was charged with Failure to Comply O.R.C. Section 2921.331B, Speeding 84 in a 50 MPH O.R.C. Section 4511.21 and O.V.I. Section 4511.19.
