2 people charged after car crashes into Stark County sheriff's cruiser

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

0 1 minute read

Nickolas Hamilton, 30, of Louisville, is charged with driving while intoxicated when he struck the police car. He and his passenger both had outstanding arrest warrants.

STARK COUNTY, Ohio — Two men are in custody after authorities say their car hit the back of a Stark County Sheriff's patrol car Tuesday morning.

According to a release from the sheriff's office, the incident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. when the patrol car was stopped at a red light on Middlebranch Avenue at Schneider Street Northeast in Plain Township (just next to Warstler Primary School). While the SUV was stationary, it was struck behind a 2017 Ford Focus, allegedly driven by Louisville resident Nickolas Hamilton, 30.

SUBSCRIBE: Get the day's top headlines delivered to your inbox every weekday morning with free 3News to GO! newsletter

Authorities say Hamilton tried to run away from the wreck, but was apprehended by deputies. He faces charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI) and driving with a suspended license, as well as failure to stop after an accident, possession of drug abuse instruments and failure to – respect of a guaranteed authorized distance. Additionally, 3News has confirmed that he faces a number of other charges in Stark County, including an arrest warrant for forgery in Jackson Township in May.

Along with Hamilton, deputies also arrested 55-year-old passenger Robert Pinkerton of Canton. Pinkerton is charged with obstruction of justice and faces a number of arrest warrants himself for alleged misdemeanor violations.

Officials say Hamilton and Pinkerton were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries and are now being held in the Stark County Jail. No deputies were injured.

“Thankfully, the injuries sustained are not life-threatening. I am proud of our team's quick response in effectively handling the situation,” Stark County Sheriff George T. Maier said in a statement . “We remain committed to keeping our roads safe and this case is a crucial example of why our work is so important.”

Want to be among the first to know about the most important local and national news? Download the free WKYC app and get updates straight to your phone: Android, Apple.