Cincinnati police are searching for a 41-year-old Villa Hills man after an April 23 traffic stop spiraled into a close call for one officer. Officers say they found the driver asleep behind the wheel at West Ninth and Central and woke him up to start an OVI investigation. When they told him to put the vehicle in park and step out, police allege he hit the gas instead, struck an officer’s arm and blew through a red light, nearly triggering multiple crashes.
Crime Stoppers Posts Suspect Details
The Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Crime Stoppers wanted list identifies the suspect as Justin Clayburn, 41, and says he is wanted on felonious assault and felony failure-to-comply charges. The listing notes past breaking and entering and receiving stolen property counts and says Clayburn was last known to live in Villa Hills, Kentucky, according to Crime Stoppers.
How Officers Say The Stop Unfolded
According to WKRC Local 12, officers woke the driver and instructed him to put the vehicle in park so they could proceed with an OVI investigation. Police say that instead of complying, the driver pulled away, clipped an officer’s arm with the vehicle and ran a red light as he fled the intersection.
How To Help Investigators
Anyone with information on Clayburn’s whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040 or submit an anonymous tip online, as outlined by the organization. Tips can be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website or the mobile app, and callers remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward, per Crime Stoppers.
Legal Stakes
Under Ohio law, felonious assault is defined in ORC 2903.11 and is generally a second-degree felony; the charge is elevated to a first-degree felony if the victim is a peace officer. Failure to comply with an officer’s order, often described as fleeing or eluding, is set out in ORC 2921.331 and can be charged as a felony depending on the circumstances.
