Ford Fusion ran red light during police pursuit on North Market Street
December 26, 2025 | Waverly, OH
A 66-year-old man from West Portsmouth sustained injuries during a high-speed police pursuit that ended in a collision in Waverly, Ohio.
The incident unfolded on a Friday evening, highlighting the risks associated with vehicle pursuits in populated areas.
Homer Bailey III, 66, of West Portsmouth, was injured when a Ford Fusion ran a red light and struck a Ford Escape at U.S. 23 and North Market Street in Waverly.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported that Homer Bailey III was riding as a passenger in a Ford Fusion driven by a 46-year-old man from Friendship. The pursuit, initiated by the Chillicothe Police Department, began around 7:04 p.m. on U.S. 23.
- Date and Time: Dec. 26, 2025, approximately 7:04 p.m.
- Location: Intersection of U.S. 23 and North Market Street, Waverly, Pike County, Ohio.
- Vehicles Involved: Ford Fusion, pursued vehicle, and Ford Escape, struck vehicle, driven by a 63-year-old Waverly resident.
- Sequence of Incident: The Fusion driver disregarded a red light, leading to a side collision with the Escape traveling westbound on North Market Street.
- Injuries: Bailey was airlifted to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in Columbus for treatment of undisclosed injuries. No other injuries were reported.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the chase and the collision.
Why Do Police Chase Accidents Occur?
Police pursuits can escalate quickly, often due to factors like high speeds, evasive maneuvers, and urban intersections. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board indicates that such incidents contribute significantly to preventable roadway harm.
Factor |
Description |
Annual Impact (U.S.) |
|---|
High-Speed Pursuit |
Vehicles exceeding safe limits during chases |
Over 3,300 fatalities from 2017-2022 (NTSB) |
Red Light Violations |
Failure to stop at signals during evasion |
Contributes to 19,000+ injury crashes yearly |
Intersection Collisions |
Cross-traffic crashes in busy areas |
40% of pursuit-related crashes involve bystanders (FHWA data) |
Source: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes during pursuits, an independent investigation is crucial to determine liability and preserve critical evidence.
“Authorities must review whether chase protocols were adhered to, including when to terminate pursuits for public safety,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “An attorney can assist by examining police reports, witness statements, and vehicle data to build a strong case.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Conduct thorough reviews of dashcam footage and officer communications.
- Hire specialists for accident reconstruction to assess fault.
- Explore insurance claims against involved parties, including law enforcement if negligence is found.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the broader implications:
“When unsafe driving or procedural lapses lead to collisions, victims may pursue civil remedies for damages like medical expenses and lost income.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that over 19,000 people suffer injuries in U.S. crashes each year, many avoidable through better enforcement and driver awareness.
Potential Personal Injury Options
Individuals injured as passengers in such incidents may qualify for compensation covering rehabilitation, wage loss, and emotional distress. Claims can target the at-fault driver's policy without affecting personal coverage.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, is experienced in serious auto accidents. She offers free consultations for those in need of help.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).