Ohio Firefighter Charged With Leading Police On ATV Chase

June 19, 2007
Charged with leading police on a chase through two states.

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A Steubenville firefighter is the second all-terrain vehicle driver charged with leading police on a chase through two states.

Steven Schaeffer, 34, of Steubenville, turned himself in to Weirton police on Monday, said Weirton police Capt. Vince Gala.

Schaeffer is charged with fleeing from an officer and riding an ATV on a city street.

Last Sunday's incident started while Weirton police were making a separate traffic stop and saw two ATVs go past at a high rate of speed.

Weirton police said they followed the ATVs until they got to state Route 7, where the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and Steubenville police pursued the drivers.

Police arrested Bryan Mikula, 34, of Toronto, the night of the chase. Mikula later pleaded not guilty to obstructing official business, operating a vehicle intoxicated and driving a prohibited vehicle on a roadway.

With regard to Schaeffer, Steubenville Fire Chief Terri Kovach said the issue is a personnel matter.

"It is being investigated and it will be dealt with as a city and and a union," Kovach said.

She said if the Fire Department decides to discipline Schaeffer, the punishment could range from a verbal reprimand to termination.

Schaeffer is still working for the Fire Department and is scheduled to appear in court on June 28.

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli & Dino Orsatti, NEWS9

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