Special News 2 May 2025

Marietta, OH – Sheriff Warden reports that on May 1, 2025, a high-speed pursuit initiated by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Marietta Police Department, resulted in the arrest of Jontaveis Ladai Drake-Crockett, a suspect with an active felony warrant for kidnapping, and the seizure of significant quantities of illegal drugs.

Detective Peters, accompanied by K9 Timmy, were on patrol on I-77 northbound.  A gray four door vehicle was observed traveling at a high rate of speed and passing vehicles traveling in the same direction.

Detective Peters proceeded southbound on I-77 and observed numerous traffic violations committed by the driver.  The driver continued, weaving in and out of traffic still appearing to be traveling at a high rate of speed.

A traffic stop was attempted at mile marker 2 southbound in the City of Marietta, Pioneer Township, however, the vehicle fled, leading to a pursuit reaching speeds up to 100 mph. The chase continued through Marietta, with the suspect vehicle sideswiping a car on Acme Street and ultimately colliding head-on with a vehicle at the intersection of Greene Street and Acme Street.  Both occupants of the vehicle were transported for medical treatment by the Marietta City Fire Department.

Following the crash, the driver, identified as Jontaveis L. Drake-Crockett, fled on foot but was apprehended behind Holly Street after a brief pursuit.

A search of the scene revealed a white grocery bag containing digital scales, 132 grams of methamphetamine, 79 grams of cocaine, and 40 grams of fentanyl. Additionally, a Glock 10mm handgun with an extended magazine, containing approximately 7 rounds, was recovered from the vehicle by Patrolman McElroy of the Marietta Police Department.

Detectives read the passenger her Miranda Rights and during the interview she reported that Drake-Crockett expressed intent to flee during the traffic stop and ignored her repeated requests to stop and let her out of the vehicle. 

Jontaveis L Drake-Crockett, age 19, 724 Alan Page Drive SE, Apt. 11, Canton, OH, was transported for medical treatment due to injuries he sustained in the crash.  Drake-Crockett faces multiple charges, including:

trafficking in fentanyl, 1st degree felony

possession of fentanyl, 1st degree felony

trafficking in cocaine, 1st degree felony

possession of cocaine, 1st degree felony

possession of methamphetamine, 2nd degree felony

trafficking in methamphetamine , 2nd degree felony

fleeing and eluding, 3rd degree felony

Additional charges are pending.