Wanted man runs from police, steals Hummer as victim gives chase: Reports

SUMMIT COUNTY , Ohio (WJW) – A 36-year-old Summit County man who was wanted on several felony warrants had a New Franklin neighborhood on high alert after running from a traffic stop, and according to police reports, later, took off in a stolen Hummer through Coventry Township and the City of Green where the victim gave chase.

The series of events started to unfold at about 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5.

According to a New Franklin police report, an officer attempted to pull over a small pick-up truck on Manchester Road that was hauling a homemade trailer without working brake lights or turn signals. The officer reported the suspect pulled into a driveway at 4946 Manchester Road, then jumped out of the still-moving vehicle and started running.

As the suspect ran across Manchester Road, police said a driver had to slam on her brakes and sound her horn in an attempt not to hit the man.

The officer continued the chase and reported the suspect was seen running through several backyards along Pamela Drive.

More officers arrived to assist with the search.

According to the report, a woman who lives on Pamela Drive reported the man may have entered her home. Police searched the house. They did not find the suspect but located the shirt he was wearing in the driveway.

New Franklin police reported several phone calls throughout the day from residents who believed they spotted the man running behind their homes and in nearby woods but, police never found the man.

Meanwhile, back at the scene off Manchester Road, where the suspect ditched the truck and homemade trailer, officers reported three other people in the cab and trunk of the truck. Two of which were wanted on warrants.

According to the report, both the truck and trailer were displaying fictitious license plates. Police reported finding a used glass pipe in the driver’s side door, as well as phones, tablets, laptops, security cameras, tools, batteries, and knives within the truck.

The following day, and just about 24 hours later, a man in Coventry Township reported his red 2006 Hummer was stolen from a driveway on Parnell Drive. The victim told police he hopped into another vehicle and followed the stolen Hummer while calling the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

It’s not clear for how long or how far the victim followed the vehicle, but it was soon spotted by deputies along S. Main Street in the City of Green. Again, as police attempted to pull over the man, he took off. Police said the suspect switched from the driver’s seat to the passenger’s seat, jumped out of the passenger door, and ran into nearby woods.

A K-9 was used to track the suspect and bring him into custody.

In both cases, the suspect was identified as 36-year-old Ronald G. Karl. He is now facing charges of grand theft, resisting arrest, and possessing drug abuse instruments. In addition to several citations for not having a valid driver’s license, working brake lights, or turn signals.

Summit County Court records show Karl was previously indicted on felony charges of aggravated drug trafficking and failure to comply with a police order.

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