A car that was evading Newburgh Heights police nearly hit the police chief

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO). A Newburgh Heights police chief was nearly hit by a suspect’s car as he dodged stop signs after a police chase Tuesday.

Police were initially called to the Shell gas station on Harvard Avenue after a fight in the parking lot. When the police arrived, a black Kia Soul took off from the parking lot, police warned that the participants were intoxicated.

A police cruiser led by Chief John Mejoy was a few blocks away and reported the suspects headed their way. In an attempt to stop the car, he parked the car and applied the brake sticks. The Kia continued to try to avoid the stop signs, swerving and closing in on Chief Mayo. Mayoi managed to jump out of the way before he was hit, suffering a minor shoulder injury.

The chase continued for about 20 more minutes before the car stopped on 271. Michael Harris, 45, of Woodmere, then refused police commands, even trying to grab the officer’s Taser.

Harris continued to refuse orders as officers tackled him to the ground. Harris then struggled with the officers, grabbing the deployed K-9 by the face. The struggle ended with the use of a taser, and Harris was handcuffed.

Harris is accused of:

Driving a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Mindless operation
Aggravated murder, intent to kill law enforcement officers
Resistance during detention
Criminal assault