According to a press release from the Tucker County Sheriff’s Department, on Wednesday, May 10 at approximately 5 p.m., Parsons Police Chief, W.R. Rowe, was notified by Tucker County 911 of a reckless driver traveling toward Parsons on US219.
Rowe located and observed the described vehicle, driven by Steven Swiger, traveling above the posted speed limit in the corporate limits of Parsons. Rowe attempted a traffic stop whereas Swiger failed to comply and pull over, accelerating at a high rate of speed.
Rowe initiated a pursuit which led northbound on WV72 reaching speeds of 105 MPH and then northbound on Route 1. During the pursuit, Rowe was notified by Tucker County 911 that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Barbour County.
While traveling on Route 1, Swiger lost control in a sharp curve and ran off the roadway colliding with a tree. He then exited the vehicle and fled into the nearby woods. Soon thereafter, deputies from the Tucker County Sheriff’s Department arrived on scene and a search for Swiger was conducted.
Citizens in the area notified officers of the location of Swiger and he was taken into custody without incident. Swiger was arrested on charges of felony fleeing from police, reckless driving and driving on suspended operators by the Parsons Police Department and he is facing charges of driving under the influence and grand larceny.
Assisting were the Parsons Volunteer Fire Department and Tucker County EMS.
