The Ohio State Highway Patrol Piqua Post was notified of a dark gray Dodge Caravan with Michigan plates wanted in connected with a robbery around 11 a.m. at Jared the Galleria of Jewelry near the Mall at Fairfield Commons.
Beavercreek Police said two of the men entered the store and the third stayed in the vehicle.
One of the suspects used a sledgehammer to strike a glass case to get the jewelry.
Approximately $200,000 in jewelry was stolen, but was recovered after the chase.
The van was rented out of Detroit and believed to be heading north.
Lt. Joseph Gebhart with the OSHP Piqua Post said troopers first spotted the van shortly before noon on Interstate 75.
A trooper attempted a traffic stop with the assistance of Sidney police, but the van fled at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
An OSHP plane in the area was able to pursue the van to Botkins.
“At one point (the vehicle) exited off the interstate and came onto County Road 25-A,” Gebhart said.
The van traveled on County Road 25-A through Anna and into Botkins, where the driver struck a large curb and disabled the vehicle.
The men attempted to flee on foot, but troopers were able to track the trio and led ground patrols to their location, according to the release.
The three men were caught, but a search of the area caused the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to place Anna and Botkins schools on lockdown, said Shelby County Sheriff John Lehnhart.
“It’s a happy ending when nobody gets hurt,” the sheriff said.
Troopers said they are working with the Beavercreek Police Department on the case.
“We did find some items in the van that hopefully can be used in the prosecution in Beavercreek,” Gebhart said.
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