In Parma, Ohio, a routine traffic stop escalated into a high-speed chase that culminated in a violent collision. The incident, captured on body camera and dashcam footage, occurred on November 9th and involved 33-year-old Ray Antonio Lopez of Cleveland.
The chase began when Parma police officers attempted to pull over Lopez, who was driving a Honda Civic, for multiple traffic violations near Ridge and Pearl Roads. Initially, Lopez slowed down, pulling into a McDonald’s parking lot, but then abruptly sped off, heading north on Pearl Road. The pursuit continued through traffic lights, posing a significant risk to other motorists.
Dashcam footage shows the high-speed chase ending in a collision at the intersection of Altuna and Pearl Roads in Old Brooklyn, Cleveland, a location previously noted for a fatal speeding car crash. Following the crash, Lopez tried to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended by the police.
During the arrest, Lopez expressed concern about the condition of his passenger, stating she was uninvolved in the incident. He admitted to fleeing due to fear of arrest for a prior offense, explaining his intention to provide for his children.
Lopez was taken into custody and is now facing charges related to the chase and the crash. The Cleveland Police Department’s accident investigation unit has taken over the investigation.
This incident is not the first of its kind in the area. In recent months, Parma has witnessed several police pursuits resulting in serious accidents. In August, a chase ended in a fatal wrong-way crash in Cleveland, followed by another fatal crash just days later. The Parma Police Department announced that the case involving the November pursuit would be forwarded to the Cuyahoga County grand jury for additional charges.
The series of high-speed pursuits and their consequent crashes have raised concerns about public safety and the risks associated with police chases. As investigations continue, local authorities are reassessing pursuit policies to prevent further tragedies.
