UPDATE | Woman dies in crash fleeing Boardman police

BOARDMAN

A police chase that ended with a deadly crash started after township police responded to a Market Street Walgreens in reference to a theft, according to a police report.

Two suspects allegedly fled the scene after filling a cart with diapers and deodorant, and then loading the items into a vehicle.

The incident initially led township police to chase the vehicle when it was spotted near South Avenue and Midlothian Boulevard, according to a police report, but the pursuit was terminated shortly thereafter.

The vehicle was then discovered at the intersection of Zedaker and Compton, “wrecked and with the female passenger deceased,” township police reported.

The incident occurred about 1:30 a.m. today. The driver of the car escaped but was found by police hiding underneath a sandbox at a nearby home. She was taken to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Police are not releasing the victim’s name at this point, saying her family has yet to be notified.

Youngstown is handling the crash investigation aspect of the case.

Township police are expected to charge the suspect with theft and fleeing and eluding.