Motorcyclist killed in hit-skip crash; suspect in custody following manhunt

NORWALK – One man is dead and another is in the Huron County Jail following a Wednesday night crash on State Route 61, near State Route 601, in Norwalk Township.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when Chad Holbrook, 49, Norwalk, was driving a 2007 Chevy truck northbound on SR 61 and rear-ended a 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by Benjamin Curtis Conley, 46, Collins. The impact threw Conley from his motorcycle, and he landed in a ditch. Conley was not wearing a helmet and suffered fatal injuries at the scene.

According to the Highway Patrol, Holbrook continued driving north on SR 61 while dragging the Harley Davidson. He turned left onto Seminary Road and continued northbound when the motorcycle eventually became dislodged. Holbrook continued north, turned right onto McIntyre Road and eventually stopped due to disabling damage in the roadway approximately two miles from the initial crash scene. 

Erie County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Hayden Service, who was off-duty at the time of the crash, witnessed the crash and followed Holbrook.  When Holbrook stopped on McIntyre Road, Deputy Service exited his vehicle and identified himself as law enforcement. The deputy ordered Holbrook to stop as he was exiting the truck. Holbrook allegedly disobeyed the order and fled on foot into a wooded area.

Approximately two hours later, Holbrook was taken into custody after an extensive manhunt. Holbrook was arrested and taken to the Huron County Jail.  He was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal crash, and operating a vehicle while impaired.