A suspected drug trafficker with alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel has been indicted following a lengthy investigation by the Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics Task Force, or B.U.R.N. Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones says charges were filed Wednesday against 37-year-old Antonio Green of Cincinnati, after investigators seized more than 150 grams of fentanyl mixed with xylazine and other synthetic narcotics during the investigation. Authorities estimate the drugs amounted to roughly 75-thousand potentially lethal doses of fentanyl that could have been distributed throughout the region. Investigators also recovered a loaded firearm, a hydraulic kilogram press, digital scales, blenders, baggies, and other equipment commonly associated with drug trafficking operations. Green was indicted on multiple felony charges, including three counts of trafficking in fentanyl and four counts of possession of fentanyl, all first-degree felonies. He also faces additional second-degree felony charges for trafficking and possession of fentanyl. Investigators allege Green was connected to a drug trafficking organization with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. Sheriff Jones says at least one additional co-conspirator has already been sentenced to prison in connection with the operation. "It's bad enough when we have local drug dealers poisoning our communities, but when someone comes into Butler County from out of town thinking they're going to set up shop and make money off addiction, they've got another thing coming," Sheriff Jones said. "They're about to find out we don't tolerate that here. Don't try that in a small town—especially Butler County." Sheriff Jones says Butler County authorities will continue aggressively targeting drug traffickers operating in the area. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests or charges could still be filed.

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(Photo Courtesy: Butler County Sheriff's Office)

A small fire on the roof of the New Miami Middle School/High School caused smoke and water damage to the cafeteria area Thursday night, according to school officials and fire crews. Emergency crews were dispatched around 8:30 p.m. to the school at 600 Seven Mile Avenue for a reported structure fire. St. Clair Township Fire Chief Larry Anglin told WMOH the fire may have been caused by a possible electrical short, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Chief Anglin said crews arrived to find smoke coming from the roof. Firefighters laddered the building and discovered a small fire on the roof, which was extinguished using one handline. Additional crews entered the building to check for fire extension and assist with ventilation and access. Power to the building was shut off while crews remained on scene for overhaul operations and the continuing investigation. The district said the incident caused smoke and water damage in the middle school/high school cafeteria area. No students, staff members, or community members were inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported. Superintendent Rhonda Parker said the district’s focus remains on the safety of students, staff, and the community while officials work to restore the building for continued operations. The district thanked responding fire departments and emergency personnel for their quick response. Mutual aid agencies assisting included the New Miami Fire Department, Trenton Fire Department, Hamilton Fire Department, and St. Clair Township-New Miami Life Squad.

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(Image Courtesy: New Miami Local School District on Facebook)

One person was killed in a four-vehicle crash Wednesday evening at the intersection of Tylersville Road and Princeton-Glendale Road in West Chester Township. According to the West Chester Police Department, the crash happened around 6:53 p.m. at the intersection of State Route 747 and Tylersville Road. Investigators say a Ford Maverick traveling southbound on Princeton-Glendale Road attempted to turn left onto eastbound Tylersville Road and failed to yield to an oncoming Jeep Cherokee traveling northbound through the intersection. Police say the Jeep struck the passenger side of the pickup truck. The impact caused the Jeep to rotate and hit a Butler County utility vehicle that was stopped in a right-turn lane. The pickup truck was then pushed into two other stopped vehicles. The driver of the Ford pickup, identified as 68-year-old Timothy Baltzell of West Chester, was taken to UC West Chester Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Jeep, a 36-year-old man from Middletown, suffered minor injuries. Occupants in the other vehicles were not seriously hurt. The intersection remained closed for more than two hours while West Chester Police investigated the crash.
 

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(Image Courtesy: ODOT)

A man wanted on federal charges was arrested Thursday morning in Ross Township after authorities said he attempted to flee from officers. According to Ross Township Police, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, known as SOFAST, attempted to arrest 57-year-old Michael Allen Fields around 6:10 a.m. at a residence in the 1100 block of James Road. Investigators said Fields drove away as officers approached, but he was later apprehended near the intersection of Kirchling Road and Layhigh Road in Ross Township. During a search of the vehicle, authorities reportedly found drug paraphernalia and approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine. Police said Fields was wanted on federal charges involving bank fraud, identity theft, and firearm possession. He was transported to the Butler County Jail and is also facing local charges of second-degree felony drug possession and misdemeanor drug paraphernalia possession. Additional charges could be presented to a grand jury.

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(Image Courtesy: Butler County Sheriff's Office)

A narcotics investigation in Middletown led to the arrest of a 56-year-old man on cocaine trafficking and possession charges Thursday morning. Sheriff Richard K. Jones said the Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics Task Force, known as B.U.R.N., along with the Middletown Police Department, executed a search warrant around 8:30 a.m. at a home in the 3700 block of Greenview Drive. During the search, investigators reportedly recovered more than 20 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for cocaine, along with approximately 22-hundred dollars in cash. Andre Snow of Middletown was arrested and booked into the Middletown City Jail on charges of trafficking in cocaine and possession of cocaine, both third-degree felonies. Sheriff Jones said drug dealers are “poisoning our communities and destroying lives,” adding that those involved in drug trafficking in Butler County can expect to end up in jail. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be filed.

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(Image Courtesy: Butler County Sheriff's Office)

Hamilton City Council is preparing to consider changes to the city’s zoning ordinance that would allow medical and adult-use marijuana dispensaries in limited commercial areas under strict regulations. The proposal follows months of discussion by city officials, the Planning Commission, and the Ordinance Review Commission after Ohio voters approved Issue 2 legalizing recreational marijuana in November 2023. Hamilton previously enacted ordinances prohibiting adult-use cannabis cultivators, processors, and dispensaries within the city. City leaders later revisited the issue as state regulations evolved. Under the proposed zoning changes, marijuana dispensaries would only be permitted as conditional uses in Community Business and Business Planned Development districts. Any dispensary would require Planning Commission review and final approval by Hamilton City Council. The proposal includes several restrictions, including a requirement that dispensaries be located only on arterial roads and not within historic districts or directly adjacent to residential properties. Additional buffer requirements would prohibit dispensaries within 1,000 feet of schools, preschools, child care facilities, and youth centers, and within 500 feet of parks, churches, libraries, and opioid treatment programs. The proposal would also ban marijuana lounges, cultivation facilities, processing facilities, and testing facilities within the city. City officials are also proposing tighter regulations on tobacco, nicotine, and vaping retailers, including new buffer requirements, landscaping standards, and restrictions on operating near residential uses. Planning Director Lauren Nelson told City Council Wednesday, May 27 that only three dispensaries could operate city wide under the proposed rules. The Hamilton Planning Commission reviewed the proposal during a public meeting on May 7 and recommended approval. Hamilton City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposal June 10, with a second reading planned for June 24.

Governor Mike DeWine announced a pause Wednesday on new data center tax exemption requests in Ohio while state lawmakers study the impact of rapid data center growth across the state. Under the directive, the Ohio Tax Credit Authority will stop accepting new requests for data center sales and use tax exemptions after its currently scheduled meeting Monday. The pause does not ban new data centers, but temporarily halts consideration of new tax incentive applications. DeWine said the move comes as the Ohio General Assembly’s Joint Data Center Committee continues reviewing the economic and community impacts of the industry. “Data centers are a critical component to today’s technology-driven economy,” DeWine said. “I fully support the Ohio General Assembly’s work to study the issue and bring forward facts about data centers, including the local benefits to communities when tax exemptions are granted.” The governor said previously approved data center projects in Ohio have reported a combined $27.2 billion in capital investment in 2025. The announcement drew criticism from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Ohio Chamber President and CEO Steve Stivers said the organization was disappointed by the pause, arguing Ohio risks losing major economic opportunities to neighboring states that continue offering incentives to attract data center development. Stivers cited an Ohio Chamber Research Foundation study that found the industry generates $26.4 billion annually in economic output, supports approximately 95,000 jobs statewide, and produces a net $1 billion each year in state and local tax revenue.

“We are committed to working with our partners in the industry, Gov. Mike DeWine, and the Ohio General Assembly to examine ways to modify the exemption that keep our state economically competitive while protecting ratepayers and complying with all local zoning regulations,” Stivers said. State lawmakers are expected to continue reviewing the issue in the coming months as Ohio weighs the economic benefits of data center growth against concerns involving infrastructure, utilities, and local community impacts.

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President Donald Trump has nominated a judge from Warren County to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced the nomination of Judge Matthew Byrne, who currently serves on Ohio’s 12th District Court of Appeals based in Middletown. “As Judge on the Ohio Twelfth District Court of Appeals, Matt has distinguished himself, and delivered strong results for The Buckeye State,” Trump wrote. “The Constitutional Rights of the incredible people of Ohio are in good hands with Matt on the Federal Bench.” Trump said Byrne was strongly recommended by Vice President JD Vance, a Middletown native, along with Ohio Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted. Byrne was elected to the 12th District Court of Appeals in 2020 and took office in January 2021. He currently serves as the court’s administrative judge. The 12th District Court of Appeals hears civil, criminal, and administrative appeals from courts in Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Madison, Preble, and Warren counties. The court has been headquartered in Middletown since it was established in 1981. Before joining the bench, Byrne practiced law at Jackson Lewis P.C. and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, representing clients in state and federal litigation across multiple states. He earned his law degree, cum laude, from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and graduated magna cum laude from Xavier University with degrees in International Affairs and Political Science. Prior to law school, Byrne served on the White House staff during the administration of President George W. Bush in the Office of Presidential Personnel. Byrne also serves on the Ohio Supreme Court’s Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure and the Board of Commissioners on Character and Fitness. He lives in Deerfield Township in Warren County with his wife and three children.
 

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(Image Courtesy: 12th District Court of Appeals)

Miami University has signed head men’s basketball coach Travis Steele to a contract extension that will keep him with the RedHawks through the 2033-34 season. Athletic Director David Sayler announced the extension Wednesday following one of the most successful seasons in program history. “My family and I are extremely grateful for the contract extension,” Steele said in a statement. “Miami has created a lot of happiness for us, and we are excited to continue to build the Miami Men’s Basketball Program.” In his fourth season leading the RedHawks, Steele guided Miami to a historic 2025-26 campaign. The RedHawks finished the regular season undefeated, becoming just the fifth NCAA Division I program this century to accomplish the feat. Miami went on to set a school record with 32 wins, tying the Mid-American Conference single-season record. The RedHawks also captured their first outright MAC regular-season championship since 2005 and earned the conference’s first NCAA Tournament at-large bid since 1999. The team defeated SMU in the First Four for Miami’s first NCAA Tournament victory since 1999. The RedHawks climbed into the Associated Press Top 25 rankings for the first time since 1999 and reached as high as No. 19 nationally. Miami also set program records for consecutive home wins, road wins, total field goals, points scored, field goal percentage, and free throws made.

Steele earned several national and conference coaching honors following the season, including MAC Coach of the Year and NABC Division I East District Coach of the Year. “Coming off two consecutive record-breaking seasons for Miami Basketball, I am thrilled to announce that we have signed Coach Steele to an extended contract,” Sayler said. “Miami Basketball has a very bright future with Travis leading the way.”

Steele became Miami’s head coach in March 2022 and has compiled a 154-98 overall record and a 47-25 mark in MAC play.

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(Photo Courtesy: Jordan Phillips Photography)

Fairfield City Council unanimously approved a tax incentive agreement Tuesday night for a massive new industrial development planned at the Jacquemin Farm property near Seward and Tylersville roads. The agreement allows the city to enter into a Community Reinvestment Area agreement and a school compensation agreement with Missouri-based NorthPoint Development for the proposed Butler County Trade Center project. According to city documents, NorthPoint plans to acquire about 140 acres at 8105 Seward Road and 3603 Tylersville Road and develop five speculative industrial buildings totaling nearly 1.29 million square feet. The development is targeted toward e-commerce, distribution, and manufacturing companies. The project’s estimated construction cost exceeds $130 million, and developers estimate the site could eventually support about 520 jobs with more than $22 million in annual payroll. Under the approved CRA agreement, NorthPoint would receive a 10-year, 75% property tax abatement on the assessed value of the new buildings. City officials said the developer requested incentives to help offset higher development costs tied to floodplain challenges and needed roadway and utility improvements. The agreement also includes provisions requiring NorthPoint to make payments to the city if tenants in the speculative buildings fail to generate agreed-upon income tax revenue targets. In addition, the developer agreed to provide annual compensation payments to Fairfield City Schools and Butler Tech. Council suspended the normal three-reading requirement and adopted the ordinance as an emergency measure to keep the project on schedule.

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(Image Courtesy: City of Fairfield)

A New Miami woman was arrested on a felony child endangering charge after Butler County deputies said security video showed her abusing a toddler. Sheriff Richard K. Jones said deputies responded Friday, May 22, to a home on Cain Avenue after a concerned citizen contacted the Butler County Sheriff’s Office about video footage allegedly showing child abuse. After reviewing the footage, deputies and detectives went to the residence and identified 24-year-old Layla Trent of New Miami as the person seen in the video. Investigators said the video showed Trent abusing a 1-and-a-half-year-old child. Detectives interviewed Trent while Butler County Children Services responded to check on the welfare of the children inside the home. Following the investigation, Trent was arrested and charged with third-degree felony child endangering.

Authorities said the toddler victim and the other children in the home were left in the care of their father. “We have a duty to protect innocent children who cannot protect themselves,” Sheriff Jones said in a statement. “Anyone who abuses a child should understand there will be serious consequences.”

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(Photo Courtesy: Butler County Sheriff's Office)

A Middletown man with prior convictions for failing to register as a sex offender was arrested following a Butler County Sheriff’s Office compliance operation. Sheriff Richard K. Jones said deputies arrested 35-year-old Eric Jabbar Jernigan-Saunders on May 21 after investigators determined he was no longer living at his registered address during a countywide Sex Offender Registration and Notification compliance check conducted the day before. Deputies developed information about a possible location for Jernigan-Saunders and later took him into custody with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team, also known as SOFAST. Authorities said concerned neighbors provided information that helped locate him. According to the sheriff’s office, Jernigan-Saunders has prior convictions from 2013 and 2015 for failure to register. “Some of these offenders think they can avoid responsibility by failing to register or disappearing from their listed address,” Sheriff Jones said in a statement. “We will continue to aggressively track down sex offenders who refuse to follow the law.”

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(Photo Courtesy: Butler County Sheriff's Office)

The City of Hamilton Health Department is warning residents after a bat found outside a Hamilton nursing facility tested positive for rabies. Health officials said the bat was collected near the Bradford Place Care Center on Millville Avenue and tested positive on May 22. The Health Department said it is working with administrators at the facility following the confirmation. Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. The disease is most commonly found in bats, raccoons, skunks, and other wild animals, but can also infect pets and humans. Officials said rabies is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, typically through bites or contact with open cuts, the mouth, nose, or eyes. Health officials stressed that rabies can be prevented if medical treatment is started quickly after an exposure. Residents are urged to avoid contact with stray or wild animals and never approach animals that appear sick, injured, or dead. Officials also warned residents to use caution if nocturnal animals such as bats or raccoons are seen active during the daytime. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to rabies is encouraged to contact a doctor immediately.

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An 18-year-old Dayton man was arrested following an investigation into a series of vehicle break-ins in Liberty Township that resulted in more than $15,000 in stolen property and vehicle damage. Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones said Detective Tabbert began investigating the thefts on May 13 after several vehicles were targeted at multiple locations in Liberty Township. In one incident, investigators said a suspect used a brick to smash a vehicle windshield to gain access to the vehicle. Authorities said stolen items included personal property and credit cards. Using security camera footage from nearby homes, detectives identified one of the suspects as Kristian Cochran of Dayton. Investigators said Cochran was later tracked down with the help of data from a court-ordered ankle monitor he was wearing at the time of the crimes. Cochran has been charged with two felony counts of theft, two misdemeanor theft counts, two counts of receiving stolen property, and one count of criminal damaging. Investigators believe at least two additional suspects were involved, and the investigation remains ongoing. “These criminals thought they could come into Butler County, victimize our citizens, damage property, and get away with it. They were wrong,” Sheriff Jones said in a statement. “If you come to Butler County and commit these crimes, you will find yourself lodged at 705 Hanover Street — the Butler County Jail.”

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(Photo Credit: Butler County Sheriffs Office)

A Middletown man, 76-year old Dennis Lahr, has been indicted on multiple child exploitation charges following an investigation by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Richard K. Jones said a Butler County grand jury indicted the 76-year-old Friday on three counts of Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material, second-degree felonies, along with three counts of Tampering with Evidence, third-degree felonies.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Detective Partin initially arrested Lahr on May 4 after  investigators received a report from a witness who allegedly observed him viewing child sexual abuse material. Authorities said the report prompted an immediate investigation that ultimately led to the indictment. Investigators said they learned the alleged activity had reportedly been occurring since 2023. “These types of charges are absolutely disgusting and sickening,” Sheriff Richard K. Jones said in a statement. “Our detectives work tirelessly to protect children and aggressively investigate anyone involved in exploiting minors. We will continue to pursue these predators and hold them accountable for their actions.”

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(Photo Courtesy: Butler County Sheriff's Office)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers to buckle up and avoid impaired driving during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend as troopers prepare for increased traffic enforcement statewide. The Patrol’s Memorial Day enforcement effort begins at midnight Friday, May 22 and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 25. Troopers will focus on safety belt use, impaired driving, and distracted driving violations. Governor Mike DeWine encouraged Ohioans to celebrate responsibly during the holiday weekend. “No matter how you plan to recognize the holiday, I encourage you to celebrate responsibly so that everyone can reach their destinations safely,” DeWine said. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one person is killed every 44 minutes in a drunk-driving crash nationwide. The Patrol reported that during last year’s Memorial Day reporting period, there were 13 fatal crashes on Ohio roadways that claimed 14 lives. Nine of those crashes and 10 of the deaths involved alcohol or drugs. “These numbers should be a reminder to everyone that many of the tragedies on our roads are preventable,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones. “Making the decision to wear your safety belt, stay focused and never drive impaired could save your life or the lives of others.” During last year’s holiday weekend, troopers made 417 impaired driving arrests. The Patrol also issued an average of more than 500 safety belt citations and 250 distracted driving violations each day. The Patrol is also participating in the multi-state “6-State Trooper Project” focusing on seat belt enforcement through May 25, along with state police agencies in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Troopers are additionally taking part in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign through May 31. Drivers can report dangerous or impaired drivers by calling #677.
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A road project designed to keep a neighborhood from being blocked by stopped trains near Seven Mile was officially canceled Tuesday after the Butler County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to return more than $2.7 million in state rail funds tied to the proposed Cedar Grove Connector project. Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the return of $2,761,972.50 to the Ohio Rail Development Commission and formally withdrawing the Cedar Grove Connector project, which had been under consideration for several years. According to the resolution, the project stemmed from a 2021 petition submitted by St. Clair Township residents requesting creation of a new roadway. Commissioners later voiced support for the Cedar Grove Connector in a 2022 letter to the Federal Rail Administration, and in 2024 approved cooperation agreements tied to grant funding for the project. County officials said the project ultimately could not move forward because the county was unable to secure the necessary right-of-way. The resolution stated the property needed for the roadway is protected by a federal agricultural easement, and the property owner declined to allow the easement to be modified or released. The Butler County Engineer’s Office and Prosecutor’s Office said they explored multiple legal options and consulted outside law firms, but determined there was no affordable way to obtain the land needed for construction. The resolution recommending cancellation of the project was approved unanimously by commissioners T.C. Rogers, Cindy Carpenter, and Donald Dixon during Tuesday morning’s regular meeting.
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More than 4,500 students received degrees Saturday during Miami University’s 187th Spring Commencement ceremony at Yager Stadium, where rainy weather led many graduates to wear plastic ponchos over their caps and gowns while spectators filled the bleachers with umbrellas. The university conferred a total of 4,519 degrees during the ceremony, including 3,718 bachelor’s degrees, 493 master’s degrees, 217 certificates, 59 associate degrees, and 32 doctorates. Delivering the keynote address was John Harbaugh, a 1984 Miami graduate and current head coach of the New York Giants. Harbaugh, who played defensive back for Miami’s football team and earned a degree in political science, told graduates they are a “unique generation” who have done well despite going through "storms" like covid, and personal difficulties, yet they persevered and are ready for the next leg of their race. Harbaugh previously led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl XLVII championship and was inducted into Miami’s Cradle of Coaches Association in 2014. He wore his Super Bowl ring during the ceremony, and joked about his recent firing from the Ravens, bringing chuckles from the crowd. Miami officials said degree candidates represented 43 states and Washington, D.C., with about 65 percent of graduates coming from Ohio. Illinois accounted for the second-largest group at 8.5 percent. Among undergraduate degrees awarded, Finance led the way with 341 graduates, followed by Marketing with 289, Psychology with 213, Biology with 200, and Kinesiology with 156. Nursing, Accountancy, Computer Science, Strategic Communications, Emerging Technology in Business and Design, and Primary Education PK-5 also ranked among the university’s top degree programs. The university also recognized academic honors during the ceremony. About 14.3 percent of bachelor’s degree recipients graduated cum laude, while 9.4 percent earned magna cum laude honors and 7.4 percent graduated summa cum laude. In addition to Harbaugh, honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degrees were awarded to attorney and Miami alumnus Sue Henry and internet entrepreneur Dwight Merriman, co-founder of MongoDB and DoubleClick.

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(Photo Courtesy: Miami University)

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP — The Liberty Township Board of Trustees and Fire Chief Ethan Klussman have announced the promotion of Battalion Chief Jason Knollman to assistant fire chief with the Liberty Township Fire Department. Knollman will officially assume the position following the retirement of current Assistant Chief Dave Greve at the end of July. A 26-year veteran of the department, Knollman has served in leadership roles since being promoted to lieutenant in 2011. During that time, he worked as the department’s training officer, conducted evaluations, and mentored personnel. He was promoted to battalion chief in 2018, overseeing operations for the department’s three fire stations, including engine, tower, rescue, and medic units serving the growing Liberty Township community. Department officials credited Knollman with helping oversee an operating and capital budget of more than $11 million, assisting with apparatus purchasing, participating in labor-management activities, and helping rebuild the department’s training program. Knollman also serves in several regional emergency response leadership roles, including Rescue Squad Officer with Ohio Task Force One, Team Commander for the Butler County Technical Rescue Team, and Team Commander for the Butler County Regional Haz-Mat Team. “I am committed to supporting the LTFD’s anticipated growth and evolving service demands,” Knollman said in a statement. “I look forward to playing an active role in ensuring the LTFD remains prepared, well-resourced, and aligned for the future.” Fire Chief Ethan Klussman praised Knollman’s leadership and experience. “I have no doubt in my mind that Assistant Chief Knollman will serve the Liberty Township community with excellence,” Klussman said. Knollman earned an associate degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University and is currently enrolled in the Center for Local Government Leadership program. A public pinning ceremony is scheduled for June 16 at 6 p.m. during the Liberty Township Board of Trustees meeting at the township administration building.

Oxford Police have arrested two men following a series of drug-related search warrants. Officers, working with federal and local partners, executed two warrants in the past week as part of a month-long investigation. On Friday, May 8th, police and U.S. Postal Inspectors searched a home on South College Avenue. Four males were detained, and officers seized cocaine, electronics, and drug paraphernalia. Then on Thursday, May 14th, Oxford Police, along with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and Miami University Police, searched a house on East Walnut Street. Two people were detained, and more cocaine and paraphernalia were recovered. As a result, Will Esler (pictured, left) was arrested on May 8th, and Michael Verlinden Jr. (pictured, right) was arrested on May 14th. Oxford Police are asking anyone with information about drug activity in the area to call their crime tip line at 513-524-5268.
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(Image Courtesy: Oxford Police)

WEST CHESTER--A serious wrong-way crash on Interstate 75 in Butler County has left two people with life-threatening injuries. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers say it happened just after 2:20 this morning north of mile marker 18 in West Chester Township. A 54-year-old Fairfield man driving a Honda Civic was heading southbound in the northbound lanes when he slammed head-on into a Honda Accord. The impact sent the Civic into the median and spun the Accord into the path of a northbound semi-truck. A third vehicle then struck debris in the roadway. Troopers say impairment is suspected in the crash. Both the Civic and Accord were reported to be driving recklessly before the accident. The wrong-way driver, Damon Holloway, and the Accord’s driver, 26-year-old Juan Gabriel Espinoza Lopez of Middletown, both had to be cut out of their vehicles. They were taken to UC Medical Center with serious, life-threatening injuries. The other two drivers were not hurt. All northbound lanes of I-75 were shut down for nearly five and a half hours before reopening just before 7:50 this morning. The Hamilton Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate.

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(Image Courtesy: Sharonville Professional Firefighters Local 4498 Facebook Page )

FRANKLIN — A Dayton man was arrested Thursday night after police say he led officers on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle that ended with a crash in Miamisburg and a jump into the Great Miami River. Franklin Police say the pursuit began around 7:11 p.m. when Middletown Police notified officers they were chasing a stolen black Chevrolet Impala headed toward Franklin. A Franklin officer spotted the vehicle running a red light at Anderson Street and Sixth Street while traveling northbound at a high rate of speed. Police say the driver continued through Franklin, ignoring multiple traffic signals before entering Miamisburg. According to police, the suspect vehicle ran another red light at First Street and Linden Avenue in Miamisburg, striking a vehicle traveling through the intersection. The stolen car then hit a parked unoccupied vehicle before coming to a stop in the roadway. Police say the driver fled on foot toward the river and jumped into the water before officers with the Miamisburg Police Department took him into custody. The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Juan Harris of Dayton. Harris was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to face charges including felony failure to comply, obstructing official business, and receiving stolen property. Police say he also had an active warrant and was driving under suspension at the time of the pursuit. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash was also transported to a hospital for treatment. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

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