Police chase that sent man to hospital result of domestic incident: Reports

BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — First News has learned that a police chase that ultimately led the hospitalization of the driver stemmed from a domestic abuse incident.

Police were called to a home in the 600 block of Afton avenue around 12:30 a.m. Thursday for reports of domestic violence, strangulation and assault. Reports state dispatch was informed the victim being strangled was eight weeks pregnant. Officers reported hearing children screaming in the background, as well as what reports describe as an ongoing physical fight.

The victim told police the incident began as an argument with the assailant, identified as Darnell Walker, a person known to her, before turning physically violent.

Walker then left the residence, at which point an officer initiated a pursuit.

The chase covered less than a mile and lasted approximately one minute, with top speeds estimated by authorities at approximately 85 mph, according to reports. It ended when Walker’s vehicle struck a semi-truck in the area of Lake Park Road and Thalia Avenue.

Reports state the car began smoking and emergency crews removed Walker, who was unconscious, from where he was pinned underneath the steering wheel. Walker was transported to the hospital with severe head injuries, reports state.

Ohio State Highway Patrol also reported to the scene to assist in the investigation of the crash.

Authorities say Walker will face charges of domestic violence, strangulation, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and failure to comply.

Andrew Peterson and Jonathan Renforth contributed to this report.

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