A multi-agency manhunt is underway in Bath Township after a shoplifting call at Summit Mall turned into a vehicle pursuit Monday evening. Investigators have identified the passenger who bolted from the car on foot as 23-year-old Mason Loar and say he remains at large after an extensive search of nearby woods and neighborhoods. The chase ended in Bath Township and the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody, according to officials.
Surveillance video later caught the man on a nearby homeowner’s deck, and resident Travis Singer told News 5 Cleveland the stranger "was very disheveled, sweaty, covered in burrs with his feet in socks." Singer said the man appeared to come out of the woods, asked for a ride to a gas station, then walked away.
Multi-agency Response Uses Drones And Canine Teams
Bath Township police and at least four other agencies, including Fairlawn, Richfield Village and Copley police plus the Medina County Sheriff's Office, converged on the area and deployed drone technology and a police canine team during the search, as reported by Cleveland 19. Officers described the effort as extensive but said they did not believe the suspect was still in the immediate area.
Pursuit Tied To Alleged Macy's Theft, Warrants Noted
Police say the chase began after two men were accused of stealing clothing from Macy's at Summit Mall and that Loar jumped from the passenger seat and ran during a traffic stop, according to News 5 Cleveland. Authorities also say Loar has active warrants with multiple departments, including a weapons-under-disability count, and the driver allegedly told officers Loar may have a gun.
Police Urge Residents To Stay Alert, Report Tips
Bath Township officers described the suspect as a man in his early 20s with long brown hair who was last seen wearing blue shorts and no shirt, and asked anyone who sees him to call 911 or Bath Township Police at 330-666-3736, according to Cleveland 19. Officials said extra patrols remain in the area while investigators continue to follow leads.
Investigators are urging residents not to approach the suspect if they spot him and to preserve any video or photos for police. This story will be updated as authorities release new information.
