A man found himself behind bars during the holiday weekend following reports of a lengthy police pursuit that unfolded in the early hours of Easter Sunday.
During a routine patrol on Mahoning Avenue at approximately 1:20 a.m. Sunday, an officer from the Austintown Police Department noticed an Audi and a sport-style motorcycle traveling at a significant speed. According to sources, the officer believed the cars were engaged in a race, noting their erratic movements as they navigated through traffic.
At the crossroads of Mahoning Avenue and Raccoon Road, the vehicles diverged as the motorcycle veered onto Raccoon Road while the car came to a halt for a red light. The officer subsequently turned on the cruiser’s emergency lights to stop the vehicle, which sources indicate fled the scene.
A chase unfolded, hitting speeds exceeding 100 mph, as stated in the report. The route included sections of Mahoning Avenue before transitioning onto the northbound ramp of state Route 11, which leads into I-80. The officer in charge reported that the fleeing vehicle hit speeds of approximately 125 mph, disregarding stop signs and red lights.
Following a lengthy chase, the vehicle was ultimately cornered after making a turn onto Van Ness Avenue, which leads to a dead end. The officer involved in the chase reported that the vehicle tried to make a turn but couldn’t succeed after he strategically placed the patrol car to prevent its escape.
The officer stepped out of the patrol vehicle, brandishing his weapon and directing it towards the two individuals inside the Audi, now highlighted by the light attached to his gun, commanding them to reveal their hands.
As a woman in the vehicle followed instructions and lifted her hands, sources indicate that the driver, named Devin Lopac, reversed the Audi and maneuvered it around the back of the police car, reigniting the pursuit.
A pursuit unfolded that involved the Hubbard Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who strategically placed a spike strip beneath the Mosier Road Bridge over I-80, successfully bringing the Audi to a halt.
According to accounts, the two individuals in the Audi exited the car, with Lopac kneeling and positioning his hands behind his head.
It has been reported that a vehicle driven by Lopac collided with a Hubbard Police cruiser, prompting an investigation by OSHP.
During the police interview, the passenger revealed that Lopac expressed his desire to avoid accumulating points on his license due to a DUI. Following the interview, authorities concluded that the passenger bore no responsibility and subsequently freed her from their custody.
Authorities conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered a loaded handgun tucked in the driver’s door pocket, along with a small bottle of Fireball liqueur positioned on the front passenger seat, as reported.
During the interview with Lopac, it was noted that he exhibited signs of intoxication, including a noticeable odor of alcohol and glossy eyes, prompting officers to conclude that he was under the influence. Nevertheless, sources indicate that he declined to undergo a chemical test to assess his level of intoxication.
Court documents reveal that Lopac is confronting serious felony accusations, including failing to adhere to a police officer’s order or signal, mishandling a firearm within a vehicle, and a first-degree misdemeanor charge related to operating a vehicle under the influence.
Lopac appeared in court on Monday afternoon, and a bond of $15,000 was established. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 7.
No additional information is provided in the report about the motorcycle thought to be connected to the initial alleged street race.