Car Chase Through Solon Started With Peace Sign

SOLON, OH — A reckless driver gave a peace sign to Solon officers before speeding away and starting a multi-city car chase, according to police records. The driver was later taken into custody in Cleveland Heights.

A little before 4 p.m. on August 18, callers reported an erratic driver on SR 91, near Pettibone Road. Witnesses said the car was passing vehicles and weaving in and out of traffic.

Police caught up to the car near Solon Middle School. Officers saw the car drift out of its lane and begin illegally passing cars.

The driver stopped at a red light on SR 91 and Linden Lane and officers pulled up next to the car. The driver looked over, gave a peace sign with his fingers and then started waving a red hat at police. Officers studied the man's car and what he was wearing. They recorded his license plate.

When the light turned green, police put on their lights and siren but the driver sped away. Police gave chase.

The pursuit went from SR 91 to US 422 to I-271 North, police said. The driver got off at Harvard Avenue and then went north onto Richmond. Police called off the chase on Harvard.

With a description of the car and driver in-hand, officers told other police departments about the driver. A short time after the driver's description was released, he was taken into custody in Cleveland Heights.

The driver, a 32-year-old man from Shaker Heights, has refused to speak with Solon police and is being charged with fleeing and eluding, officers said.