An elderly motorist was charged Saturday, Feb. 17, with driving the wrong way along U.S. Route 33.
Suzeanne Campbell, 79, of Bellefontaine reportedly was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 33 shortly after 7 p.m.. Officers were dispatched to the area of U.S. 33 and State Route 540 on a report of a wrong-way motorist. Officers activated their lights and sirens and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver paid no attention and continued westbound in the eastbound lanes.
For approximately seven miles officers pursued the driver with speeds fluctuating between 40 and 60 mph as several drivers reportedly had to swerve to avoid striking the wrong-way driver head-on.
Eventually, officers were able to pass and box in the driver and get her stepped on the roadway. She was visibly confused, police report, and told officers she was attempting to get back to Bellefontaine from Dublin. Police were told this was not the first time an incident similar to this has occurred.
A Bellefontaine squad responded and transported Campbell to Mary Rutan Hospital for evaluation. The vehicle was towed from the scene. She was charged with driving the wrong way and reckless operation.