Repo Attempt Leads to High Speed Chase

Warren, OH –12 December 2018 – A repo man had an unexpected ride on the side of a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox that he was attempting to repossess Monday afternoon as the owner of the car drove off in the vehicle, according to a police report.

Matthew O. Allen, 1127 Belvedere Ave. SE, told police he went to pick up the already running Equinox at 1619 Ferndale Ave. SW when the owner appeared on the passenger side, jumped over the center console into the driver’s seat and began driving away. Allen said he was dragged for a few feet before letting go of the side of the SUV, according to the report.

Allen jumped into his Chevrolet pickup and followed the vehicle. As he drove, Allen called police, informing them what was happening and where the two vehicles were located.

As officers were attempting to find the two vehicles, they were approached by a resident who described them traveling at speeds between 75 and 80 mph in the area of Risher Road, according to thereport. The vehicles were eventually stopped at Palmyra Road and Austin Avenue,the report states.

After police caught up with the borrower who started the chase, he said he was only a few payments behind and intended to pay it. He claimed the repo man jumped inside the window of his car and he drove off because he panicked.

Because police considered the repossession to be a civil matter, the owner of the Equinox was allowed to keep the vehicle.