Toledo, Ohio — A dramatic police chase unfolded in west Toledo on Wednesday afternoon, after officers spotted a U-Haul van reportedly involved in a kidnapping incident, according to the Toledo Police Department (TPD).
Video captured the U-Haul driving erratically down Central Avenue near Monroe Street, with the vehicle visibly missing at least one tire while maneuvering through heavy traffic.
Multiple TPD units joined the pursuit as the van swerved across lanes and continued fleeing at high speed.
Kidnapping Report Sparks Emergency Response
Authorities first responded to the 3200 block of Northwood after receiving a call that an adult male was being held against his will. According to investigators, on December 10, Lucas County 911 received a report that the victim had been kidnapped and held at gunpoint.
When officers arrived in the area on Wednesday, they identified the suspect—later confirmed as Rodney Coley—driving away in a U-Haul truck near Algonquin and Monroe Street. Police initiated a traffic stop, but Coley refused to stop, escalating the situation into a full pursuit, officials said.
Police Units Crash While Attempting to Intercept Suspect
The chase became more dangerous as the U-Haul weaved through congested roads. As officers tried to cut off the suspect near Franklin Avenue and Bancroft Street, two TPD vehicles collided in the intersection.
A TPD press release stated that:
- The first unit, traveling west on Bancroft, carried two officers
- The second unit, traveling south on Franklin, carried one officer
- Heavy traffic and obstructed views caused by cars, fences, and buildings contributed to the crash
Upon impact, the vehicle with one officer spun off the roadway and hit a tree, while the other police vehicle rolled to a stop in the middle of the street.
All three officers were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries, as per the reports.
Chase Ends Behind Apartment Complex; Suspect Arrested
The pursuit eventually came to an end on Slater Street, near Larchmont Estates in west Toledo. Coley abandoned the damaged U-Haul and attempted to flee on foot, running into a nearby apartment building.
Officers quickly established a perimeter, located the suspect inside one of the apartments, and took him into custody without further incident.
Suspect Charged; Victim Recovered Safely
Rodney Coley now faces multiple charges, including:
- Kidnapping
- Fleeing and Eluding
He was booked into the Lucas County Jail following his arrest.
Police confirmed that the kidnapping victim was safely recovered and did not sustain any injuries. Officials did not specify where the victim was located when recovered.
Three Dogs Found in U-Haul
In a surprising discovery, officers found three dogs and furniture inside the back of the U-Haul van. The animals appeared unharmed and were taken into custody by LC4, according to police.
Investigation Ongoing Across Multiple Scenes
Because the chase involved several streets, intersections, and a crash involving police units, authorities say it will take time to assess the full timeline and details of the pursuit. TPD has not yet released the complete sequence of events but confirmed that additional information will be made public as the investigation progresses.
What’s Your Reaction?
Were you in the area during the chase, or do you think police handled the situation appropriately?
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