TOLEDO, Ohio — The Toledo Police Department says there were 170 police pursuits last year and expects about that amount this year, too. To put that into context, the Dayton Daily News reported in 2021 that officers took part in 58 police chases.
On Nov. 19, a police pursuit happened in west Toledo and ended at the intersection of Monroe Street and Douglas Road. Multiple cars were hit during the pursuit and it ended with one person dying.
Alan Katafiasze was one of the three people taken to the hospital following the pursuit. While it didn't hurt him physically, he's still dealing with it mentally and financially.
"I have brain fog. I have horrible migraines but when it comes to bodily functions and stuff. I'm at work every day and I'm still able to do stuff," he said. "But financially, no, I'm hardly making it now."
Katafiasze doesn't have an issue with how police handled the situation, but came to a town hall Thursday hosted by city council member John Hobbs III on high-speed police pursuits to tell his story.
The police chase happened right outside of Hobbs' district. He said he got messages about the chase, and others, from his constituents, which led him to organize the town hall. He invited TPD Chief Michael Troendle to talk about police policy.
"Why do these chases seem to be happening for something that seems to be small?" Hobbs said he has heard from his constituents. "Let the community talk, respond to them. It makes them understand that we care about them and that their utmost safety is our concern."
Troendle said the department's policy on pursuits is nationally accredited and reviewed. For example, not going after ATVs and only using the PIT maneuver, an immobilization technique that forces a fleeing vehicle to abruptly turn 180 degrees, when necessary.
Even though TPD has a policy, Troendle says officers have to make decisions quickly.
"If they can identify them, if the traffic's heavy," Troendle said. "Those are all kinds of decisions that have to be made instantaneously."
While Katafiasze wishes there was more help for people like him who have been impacted by crashes and police pursuits they weren't involved in.
"The innocent bystander who might not have the greatest insurance but is still covered and gets into a situation like that doesn't have the greatest job, the average job. That can still get back on their feet somehow," he said.
Troendle said there has not been an increase in police chases in 2023, but said the department is reviewing policies to see if any changes are needed.