Man hospitalized after double car chase

GREENVILLE - A Union City driver was seriously injured after he veered off of the roadway into a corn field twice on Monday morning, first after leaving the scene of an accident and later while fleeing from law enforcement, a news release from Darke County Sheriff Mark Whittaker states.

Darke County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 3600 block of Childrens Home-Bradford Road just outside of Greenville at around 7:45 a.m. Monday in reference to a two-vehicle crash, the release states.

Initial reports indicated that a gold Ford Explorer drove off the right side of the roadway, striking a silver Honda operated by Jose Matamoros, 50, of Greenville.

After the crash, Matamoros pursued the Ford Explorer, which continued to Bechtol and Arnold roads before veering into a cornfield and heading northbound. A deputy later observed the suspected vehicle at the intersection of Horatio-Harris Creek Road and State Route 118, noting corn stalks lodged beneath the vehicle, the release reported.

Deputies then attempted to stop the vehicle, which led to a pursuit spanning approximately 3 miles, the release states. The Ford Explorer exited the roadway again, entering a cornfield off State Route 118. The driver, identified as Joshua Allen, 39, of Union City, continued through the field before colliding with an embankment.

Emergency services responded to the scene, including Ansonia Fire Department, Ansonia Rescue, Ohio State Highway Patrol and CareFlight.

Initially, a second CareFlight helicopter with a mobile surgery team was called because there was a reported impalement, per the release. The surgery team was later called off.

Allen was transported to Miami Valley Hospital, where he is currently listed in serious condition. The incident remains under active investigation by the Darke County Sheriff's Office.