High-Speed Police Chase Ends With Driver Jumping In Ohio River

Police said a high-speed chase ended with a drunken driver jumping into the Ohio River.

John Rush, 48, of Wheeling was arrested and suffered minor injuries during the incident Sunday night.

Sgt. Scott Adams of the West Virginia State Police said the chase started in Wheeling when he noticed a green BMW swerving and speeding on the National Road in the Woodsdale area of the city.

Adams said the driver, Rush, picked up speed on Interstate 70 and exited at 16th Street. Adams said Rush continued driving and nearly struck a car on U.S. 250. Adams said he turned his lights and sirens on, but Rush crossed the state line into Ohio onto the Interstate 470 bridge.

Rush then headed north on state Route 7 into Bridgeport, then made a U-turn and started driving the wrong way on a ramp to Wheeling Island, police said.

"He stopped his car on the Bridgeport Bridge because I believe he saw Wheeling police officers coming at him in his direction," Adams said. "I was behind him, Wheeling (police) were in front of him."

Adams said Rush stopped his car and got out, but then he "ran around the front of it and jumped right off the Bridgeport Bridge into the back channel of the Ohio River."

Rush suffered minor injuries and was transported to Ohio Valley Medical Center, where he spent the night.

Adams said Rush is facing charges of a third-offense driving under the influence, fleeing DUI, driving without the interlock system and numerous traffic offense.

Rush is expected to be released from the hospital Monday and booked into the West Virginia Northern Regional Jail.