Friday, January 27th, 2012
Minster man faces numerous charges
By Margie Wuebker
PIQUA - A Minster-area man faces multiple charges after he led local police on chase early Wednesday morning before diving into the Great Miami River in an unsuccessful escape attempt.
Daniel Sampson, 27, 1225 Lee Drive, remains incarcerated at the Miami County Jail on a $65,000 bond.
His list of charges in Miami County Municipal Court include felony fleeing and eluding, possession of drugs (LSD), resisting arrest, obstructing official business and vandalism. The list also includes three counts of leaving the scene of accidents plus one count each of operating a vehicle while under the influence, possession of marijuana and having an open container of alcohol, all misdemeanors.
According to Piqua Deputy Chief Tom Steiner, the pursuit began around 2 a.m. when an officer spotted Sampson's 2000 Ford Taurus cross the centerline and hit a parked pickup truck in the 400 block of East Greene Street.
Sampson failed to pull over in response to the cruiser's siren and flashing lights. He continued several blocks before driving through school property located at Roosevelt Field House, several fences and backyards.
The Minster-area man eventually jumped from his moving car and locked the door in the process. The car came to an abrupt stop after hitting another vehicle on nearby Water Street.
"Mr. Sampson took off running across the levee to the bike path and then jumped into the river," Steiner said. "He refused to come out on the swift-moving water on his own accord."
Police threw several plastic flotation devices into the water. Sampson finally grabbed one of the devices and officers pulled him to shore.
The incident continued back on shore as he became combative with medics who had come to his aid, leading to the use of a taser.
Once subdued, Sampson was taken to Upper Valley Medical Center between Piqua and Troy for evaluation.
Authorities reportedly found LSD on the suspect as well as marijuana and alcohol in the vehicle.
Steiner said the investigation is continuing with the possibility of additional charges.
"We don't recommend swimming in the river at any time, let alone in the middle of a cold, windy night."
