Police search for sporting goods thief

Officers were dispatched to a report of theft at Dick's Sporting Goods, 1960 Tiffin Ave., that led to a high speed chase on I-75 Friday afternoon. The suspect left the store, got into a dark gray 2019/2020 Hyundai Elantra SEL with an Ohio license plate and fled the scene, a release from Findlay Police Department states. Police described the suspect as a black female between 35-40 years old and about 5-foot-4, with a gold lip ring in her bottom lip and longer black braided hair tied into a bun. She was wearing a dark green coat with fur trim around the hood. Another black female was in the Elantra when the suspect entered it, the release said. The suspect was later seen driving westbound on County Road 99 by Findlay police. A pursuit ensued in which the suspect ran a red light, passed vehicles by going into oncoming traffic and led police northbound on I-75 at speeds of about 110 mph. The Elantra went on the left shoulder of the highway to pass vehicles when all three lanes had vehicles, the release said. Findlay police lost visual contact with the suspect near Ohio 6, at exit 179. Wood County Sheriff's Office and State Highway Patrol continued the pursuit at different points, but they also stopped their pursuits due to safety reasons and construction, according to the release. The suspect vehicle was last seen driving northbound on I-475 near the I-75 split. The merchandise was recovered after it was thrown from the vehicle, the release said. Contact Findlay Police Officer Chris Brickner at 419-424-7150 or cbrickner@findlayohio.gov with any information on the suspects.