Ford Fusion runs red light during police pursuit on North Market Street
December 26, 2025 | Pike, OH
A devastating crash in Pike County claimed the life of 63-year-old William Gildow from Waverly on Dec. 26.
The incident occurred when a vehicle fleeing police collided with Gildow's at a busy intersection.
William Gildow, 63, of Waverly, Ohio, died after his Ford Escape was struck by a Ford Fusion during a police chase at the intersection of North Market Street and U.S. 23 in Pike County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) detailed the sequence of the crash at the intersection of North Market Street and U.S. 23. Gildow was traveling westbound in his Ford Escape around 7 p.m. when a Ford Fusion, driven by Davina Arthur, ran a red light and struck his vehicle. Arthur was evading Chillicothe Police Department officers at the time.
- Date and Time: Dec. 26, 2025, approximately 7 p.m.
- Location: North Market Street and U.S. 23, Pike County, Ohio
- Vehicles Involved: Ford Escape, Gildow, and Ford Fusion, Arthur
- Fatalities: William Gildow and Davina Arthur
- Injuries: One adult passenger in Arthur's vehicle was hospitalized, and the condition is unknown
- Investigating Agency: Ohio State Highway Patrol
The collision resulted in immediate fatalities for both drivers, with the passenger receiving medical attention nearby. OSHP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and crash.
Why Do Police Chase Accidents Occur?
Police pursuits often stem from suspects ignoring signals to stop, escalating into high-speed chases. Authorities assess whether officers adhered to protocols during these circumstances to minimize public risk.
To illustrate the broader issue, consider national trends:
Year |
Police Pursuit Fatalities (U.S.) |
Source |
|---|
2019 |
412 |
NHTSA |
2022 |
577 |
NHTSA |
Trend |
40% increase since 2019 |
NHTSA |
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows 2022 marked the highest recorded fatalities from police chases, underscoring the dangers involved.
Legal Insights
In motor vehicle crashes involving pursuits, thorough investigations are essential to uncover causes and safeguard rights. National legal analysts provide perspective on handling such tragedies.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and ensuring evidence is reviewed efficiently is critical,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “An advocate can compassionately guide those affected while protecting legal rights and interests.”
Key takeaways from analyst guidance:
- Conduct independent investigations to gather unbiased evidence.
- Preserve scene details promptly to support claims.
- Seek counsel to navigate investigations and secure entitlements like compensation for losses.
“Families enduring such losses deserve vigilant protection of their interests,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “Staying informed on official investigation helps ensure fair outcomes, including damages for companionship loss and emotional distress.”
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If a reckless driver has caused injury or death to you or a loved one, Candice Bond is available for a no-cost consultation to help you understand your options.
(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).