There is no excuse for stupid. Sheriff Rob Streck tried to make excuses for the stupidity of his deputies, but helicopter or no helicopter, there was no reason to conduct a high speed chase of Melissa Hutchins on the West Side of Dayton- especially when you have a helicopter. Not only that- the law is very specific:
General policy: 1. Pursuits at high speed are justified only when the individual officer knows or has reasonable grounds to believe the person being pursued has committed or attempted to commit a serious felony.
https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Briefing-Room/News-Releases/Policy-and-Legislation/Vehicular-Pursuit/City-of-Marion-Pursuit-Policy.aspx [1]
Melissa Hutchins has been a perennial problem child according to the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts site:
| 2011 CVG 01119 W | FORCIBLE ENTRY AND DETAINER (MCFED) | HUTCHINS, ET AL, MELISSA | CLOSED | DEFENDANT | |
| 2013 CVG 00743 W | FORCIBLE ENTRY AND DETAINER (MCFED) | HUTCHINS, ET AL, MELISSA | CLOSED | DEFENDANT | |
| 1996 CR 01043 /2 | CONVERSION (C) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | OPEN | DEFENDANT | |
| 1998 TRD 00134 W | NO OPERATORS LICENSE (4507.02 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 1999 TRD 08786 W | INTERSECTIONS-RULES FOR TURNS (4511.36 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2000 CRB 01744 W | THEFT (2913.02 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2000 TRD 08012 W | NO OPERATORS LICENSE (4507.02 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2001 TRC 02111 W | OVI (4511.19 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2004 CR 00116 | POSSESSION OF COCAINE (1gram but <5grams-CRACK) (2925.11(A)-20(323)) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2004 CR 04576 | POSSESSION OF COCAINE (less than one gram-Crack Cocaine) (2925.11(A)-17R(323)) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2004 CV 06552 | OTHER TORT (OT) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | CLOSED | DEFENDANT | |
| 2007 CR 02615 | POSSESSION OF COCAINE (less than one gram-Crack Cocaine) (2925.11(A)-17R(323)) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2010 CV 09232 | MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE (MF) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | CLOSED | DEFENDANT | |
| 2011 CR 00042 | POSSESSION OF COCAINE (less than one gram-Crack Cocaine) (2925.11(A)-17R(323)) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2018 CVF 01310 E | CONTRACTS (MCCVF) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA | CLOSED | DEFENDANT | |
| 1991 TRD 10395 W | TWO HEADLIGHTS DISPLAYED (4513.14 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 1992 CRB 03020 W | PETTY THEFT (131.08 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 1992 TRD 02650 W | SPEED (4511.21 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 1993 CJ 063503 | CERTIFICATE OF JUDGMENT TO STAY FROM ANOTHER OHIO COURT (CJS) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | OPEN | DEBTOR | |
| 1993 TRD 05085 W | NO OPERATORS LICENSE (4507.02 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 1996 CRA 02099 W | RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY (2913.51A MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 1999 CRB 03355 W | DISORDERLY CONDUCT (2917.11 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2000 TRD 03328 E | SPEED (333.03D MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2002 CV 07075 | PERSONAL INJURY (PI) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | CLOSED | DEFENDANT | |
| 2005 CRB 01051 W | DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (2919.25C MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2014 CRB 01609 E | DRUG PARAPHERNA (2925.14A MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2014 TRD 03079 W | DUS/REINSTATE (4510.21 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2014 TRD 04534 E | DUS/FRA SUSP/NON PAYMENT (4510.16 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2016 TRD 02415 W | DUS/VIOL OF RESTRICTION (4510.11 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2018 CRB 00886 W | DOG REGISTRATION REQUIRED (955.21 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2018 TRD 02029 W | DUS FRA/NON-COMPLIANCE (4510.16A MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2023 TRD 01735 W | HIT SKIP (4549.02 MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2007 CR 02160 | ASSAULT (PO) (2903.13(A)(PO)) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J. | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2018 CRB 01295 W | UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A VEHICLE (2913.03A MC) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA J. | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| 2001 CR 04267 | POSSESSION OF COCAINE (1gram but <5grams-CRACK) (2925.11(A)-20(323)) | HUTCHINS, MELISSA JEAN | 6/23/1973 | CLOSED | DEFENDANT |
| Civil Historical Index1 Records Returned |
|---|
| HUTCHINS MELISSA J METROPOLITAN PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE CO VS MELI | 1993 CJ 063503 |
| Criminal Historical Index3 Records Returned |
|---|
| HUTCHINS MELISSA J AKA 1: | AKA 2: | AKA 3: | 1996 CR 001043 | |
| HUTCHINS MELISSA JOAN AKA 1: | AKA 2: | AKA 3: | 1992 CR 000173 | |
| HUTCHINS MELISSA JOAN AKA 1: MISSIE HUTCHINS | AKA 2: | AKA 3: | 1996 CR 002771 |
All those offenses, yet, nothing like she’s going to go kill someone (a “serious felony”). Yet, they felt the need to chase her car at high speeds after deflating her tires. Everyone was having fun playing Grand Theft Auto- up until she hit a BMW convertible driven by someone I know, 35 year old Colby Ross.
Colby is now dead, and Sheriff Streck was rushing to make excuses. Excuses don’t bring Colby back.
On Friday, the charges were made:
| 1 | INVOL MANSLAUGHTER | F1 | 2903.04 MC | ||
| 2 | AGGRAVATED VEHICULAR HOMICIDE | F2 | 2903.06A2A MC | ||
| 3 | FAIL COMP OFFCR | F3 | 2921.331BC5 MC | ||
| 4 | POSSESSION OF COCAINE (<5g but not >25g-other than crack) | F4 | 2925.11 A-19 MC |
His father is Skip Ross, who now owns the old Channel 45/22 building on Gettysburg. Skip has been running channel WRCX 40 [3] and provides an alternative media channel for the community. Colby was his right hand, and his heart. Colby had a wife, 2 kids, and a growing tiktok community with his Tattoo Broker channel [4]. He and his Dad had a plan- to build a media empire focused on the Black community and they were well on their way.
Sheriff Streck and his lawless deputies just killed that dream. For what? To bust a woman for possession of drugs? For driving under suspension? They wouldn’t do a high speed pursuit on I-75- but the West Side- no problem. The real menace to society once again in Dayton, is unqualified people pretending to be the long arm of the law. You know, the same ones who pepper spray inmates point blank while in 7 point restraint chairs [5].
A Butler Twp. police officer broadcast around 4:40 p.m. Monday that a white SUV was wanted for felony failure to comply charges. The SUV’s driver fled from police during rush hour on Interstate 75 in a construction zone, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said Tuesday.
Ibid DDN
About three hours later, a sheriff’s detective spotted the SUV on Free Pike Avenue and used a tire deflation device. The driver fled and a deputy initiated a pursuit with aerial support from a law enforcement partner.
For those who don’t know what “Failure to comply” is- you really need to read the law. Section 2921.331 | Failure to comply with order or signal of police officer. [6] It’s pretty specific-
(A) No person shall fail to comply with any lawful order or direction of any police officer invested with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.
(2) A violation of division (A) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.
In order for it to be a felony- the next rules require the decision of a judge and jury- not a police officer.
Melissa Hutchins wasn’t an imminent danger to our community. Sheriff Streck on the other hand, well, he was busy preparing a statement before he’d even notified Skip or Chenea Ross, his widow of his passing. They left that to the coroner, long after Colby had been transported first to a hospital and then the morgue.
The real question is how much did Sheriff Streck pay recently reinstated NAACP president for life Derrick Foward to issue this statement:
Foward said. “Not only that, she is also an individual who has run from police before, so we need to make certain that we are doing everything — the full weight of the law — to hold this young lady accountable for this death.
https://editions.daytondailynews.com/app/DDNFEE/editionguid/59183da7-4b94-431f-add9-168e1ce5b36f [7]
“She is the culprit in the cause of Colby Ross’ death.
Make no mistake about it. It’s not the police’s fault that this individual is dead,” Foward said.
It’s time for Forward to resign and go quietly off the stage before he says anything else this stupid.
You might have known on Facebook before the family even knew that Colby Ross was dead. Streck knew this was a huge mistake, and we, the taxpayers who elected this failure, will pay for his mistakes. Unfortunately, the Democratic Party hasn’t mounted a candidate for sheriff for almost 20 years (Last one was former DPD officer Mike Tenore). That’s in exchange for the R’s not running anyone against the Democratic embarrassment for Prosecutor Mat Heck.
The family of Colby Ross has hired attorney Michael Wright to represent them. Wright will make the county pay – but, the incompetence within the Sheriff’s department will continue. When Sgt Judith Sealey was caught pepper spraying inmate Amber Swink, she was put on paid leave by then Sheriff Phil Plummer, and then promoted to Captain before taking medical retirement. Sealey later pled guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, and was given a slap on the wrist. Plummer was promoted to State Representative and Streck was promoted. Funny how things work in the Sheriff’s office.
Make no doubt about it, the decisions of the Sheriff’s office to continue this pursuit at high speeds, resulted from them choosing to be judge, jury and executioner, without any adherence to the law- or considering the public’s safety. With the tires deflated, and a helicopter to follow her, it would have been much better to follow at a leisurely pace and wait for her to be in a place where there was no chance of endangering others- or when she runs out of gas.
Colby Ross doesn’t need a law named after him, he needs the law enforced, with those responsible for his death being punished, starting with Sheriff Streck.
Justice for Colby
Just stop. Don’t make this into a blame game just because you hate the police and the sheriff. Good grief.
@slippery sam- nothing can be further from the truth- I hate stupid.
Cops are awesome when they use their brains.
Apparently these police chases and putting citizens in imminent danger
are common practice around west 3rd street area. The link below was a police chase incident that happened in January 2024.
This chase ended with gunfire, having innocent Bystanders running, dodging bullets and fearing for their lives.
“The Wild Wild West” side..SMH
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/ixhhuoi4vkg15rFB/?mibextid=xfxF2i
The deputies saved the taxpayers money. No loss.
“The deputies saved the taxpayers money. No loss.” Tell that to Lawyer Wright.
Unfortunately Wright will, as usual, only benefit himself. While he’s not quite risen to level of poverty pimp that Ben Crump has, he’s getting close. His only resource is rage and agitation. He and Rick started out as decent lawyers, too bad they both went way off the rails.
WELL SAID! VERY GOOD AND INFORMATIVE READ! THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONESTY!
David, I think you’re sincere when you say you’re not anti police, but your words and actions say otherwise. There are going to be chases because there are going to be buttheads who flee. There are going to be lawful arrests after such chases and, unfortunately, there are people who will be injured or even killed in crashes as a result. It is a horrible thing to happen, but place the blame where it lies. Casualties happen all over the country. Streck didn’t kill anybody. If an investigation shows that the pursuing officer used his best judgment based on the information he had and protocol, it is still a very sad event. But he’s not a criminal and Streck is not responsible. Had she committed a serious felony before the chase, the other driver would still be dead. It’s awful to say, but it’s true. We can chase or not chase. That is the only issue. There will always be the possibility of human miscommunication. Maybe we just let everyone flee at whatever speed they want? Regardless of their crimes? And don’t give me the “you have the license plate number” crap. The cars used in serious crimes are usually stolen so that won’t help one bit.
I have no respect for Michael Wright, having worked with him before. Sure, he will hit the city with an inflated demand for cash and he will get a settlement. Do you know why? Because insurance companies look at the potential costs of trial. It is often cheaper just to settle. So, for the amount of a filing fee, attorneys can bully their ways into settlements. Any award that covers the filing fee, is free money.
Donna, please go back and re-read this post more carefully.
Then come back and let us know what clear and present danger Melissa Hutchins posed.
I’m getting the impression that you think the only way one can be supportive of the police is by never questioning any of their actions. That’s just not so, however. We can say that police deserve fair pay, proper equipment, good representation, ongoing training, etc., and we can still say that the police should be good, accountable citizens.
We don’t have to just agree with the police if they decide to conduct high speed chases through city streets. “Oh, well, it was a police officer who made that call, so it must have been justified,” doesn’t fly. The police are employees, and we are their employers.
“The deputies saved the taxpayers money. No loss.” Billy–how do you figure?
The deputies chasing her caused her car to go out of control. Damage to the roadway. Was there any damage to the patrol cruisers? At minimum, inceasded fuel consumption and wear and tear.
?One dead, others injured. Police clearly violated pursuit guidelines, so here comes the lawsuit that will cost the county tens of thousands in legal expenses and probably over a million in settlement. Meanwhile, we’re still facing the expense of prosecuting Melissa Hutchins and then keeping her in prison for probably an extended sentence at a cost of maybe $100,000 a year.
And based on David’s account, the loss of this man will have a negative economic impact on the community.
The deputies saved taxpayers money REALLY BILLY?? Tell that to the wife children and other family and friends Colby Ross left behind! What a ignorant and racist response! SMFH
@Slippery sam – From the family of the deceased Colby Ross RIP- Family agree 100 percent with this article! Reform police pursuits and stop wih the smoke and mirrors!
Nathan: I would never suggest that police get a pass just because they’re police. The fact of the matter regarding chases is this. There must be protocol. The rules can be, never chase: always chase: or chase upon discretion. His discretion is based upon the information he had at the time he made the decision to pursue. For instance, what if what he heard was *wanted for a felony out of Butler County?” Felony is felony, as a matter of fact. Having ridden with many police? officers over the years, and being married to a 32 year veteran police officer, I can state without equivocation that reality is far different than Monday morning quarterbacking. If you have never been in the adrenaline/siren/radio traffic/catch a felon mode, you can’t possibly know. Let me enlighten you, too, as to another fact. Police do not like to get into high speed chases. They are risking their own lives, too. There’s no way to predict if they will come out alive, or if they’ll be crucified for something they couldn’t have foreseen. This officer’s life changed forever that day. Not only is his job on the line for using his best judgment, his whole family is now affected. There is no doubt that they have suffered with anxiety, death threats, with coping with trauma. and with the lawsuit dangling over their heads for years that may cost them their home and savings. All the man did is use his discretion in accordance with policy. It is truly tragic that the man passed away. There have been many and there will be more. I suggest that before you cast any more stones, you spend time in the front seat of a police car as the officers respond to emergency calls.