Motorcycle Rider Flees Ohio Deputies Then Reaches for Gun

 

 

Denmark Township, Ohio — On Monday, September 08, 2025, at approximately 2:41 p.m., a Deputy with the Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) observed a red motorcycle, later discovered to be operated by 54-year-old Jerry Pegram, in the area of Dwight Avenue and East 48th Street in the city of Ashtabula. The Deputy attempted to initiate a stop on the vehicle, but Pegram failed to comply and led the Deputy on a pursuit. The pursuit continued for several minutes. As the pursuit went on, additional Law Enforcement Officers joined. By the end of the pursuit, an additional three ACSO Deputies joined in the pursuit. Additionally, one Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) Trooper, was trailing the pursuit with permission to assist the ACSO if Pegram fled on foot. During the course of the pursuit, Deputies noted multiple times that Pegram was throwing items from the motorcycle. The deputies described the items as both “packages” and “baggies” at various points. The speeds remained relatively low according to the deputies' radio traffic, and civilian traffic was reported as minimal to non-existent. The vehicle pursuit lasted for 22 minutes and ended at 3:03 p.m. when units reported that Pegram had wrecked his motorcycle in the area of Anderson Road and Stanhope-Kelloggsville Road in Denmark Township. Following the wreck, Pegram exited his motorcycle and fled on foot into a wooded area to the North of Anderson Road. While in the woods an officer engaged Pegram, and had a short physical altercation with Pegram in an attempt to subdue him. When one officer arrived in the area, he deployed a taser which was ultimately ineffective. As the officers continued their attempts to detain Pegram, they reported that Pegram reached under his clothing and began to manipulate a black pistol. While Pegram was attempting to control the weapon, an Officer yelled "GUN, GUN, GUN!" Shortly thereafter the officers on scene opened fire, striking Pegram multiple times. Following the shooting, an Officer placed Pegram in handcuffs, and various Deputies of the ACSO attempted to render aid to Pegram. Pegram was eventually pronounced deceased on the scene. Officers removed a firearm from a holster that was on Pegram's Person and rendered it safe. The firearm was documented and collected by BCI Crime Scene Agents.