Innocent driver seriously injured after suspect crashes car during police chase

CINCINNATI (FOX19) - An innocent driver is now fighting for her life after she was hit by a suspect driving away from police.

The crash happened shortly before 1 p.m. in the 600 block of William Howard Taft Road in Walnut Hills, according to the Cincinnati Police Department.

Police say they were called out to check on reports of a man, 32-year-old Michale Shelton, waving a gun on Oak Street.

Michale Shelton, 32, is facing charges of aggravated vehicular assault and failure to comply... — Michale Shelton, 32, is facing charges of aggravated vehicular assault and failure to comply with the order of police, court docs say.(WXIX)

When they found Shelton in a car, police say he drove off. That lead to a high-speed chase which police say lasted about a minute.

The chase ended at May Street and William Howard Taft when Shelton ran the red light and crashed into a car that had the right of way.

Shakiya Lewis, 35, was the driver.

Police say Lewis was critically injured and rushed to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

Shelton suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was also admitted to UCMC, where he is listed in serious condition, according to police.

Neither driver was wearing their seatbelt, police say.

Excessive speed appears to be a factor, but impairment is yet to be determined, according to CPD.

Any witnesses to the crash are asked to contact the CPD’s Traffic Unit at 513.352.2514.

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