Chester, WV – On the evening of Sunday, August 31st, 2025 at approximately 7:15 p.m., a Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office Deputy along with a Patrolman from the East Liverpool Police Dept., attempted to stop a vehicle on State Route 39 in East Liverpool, Ohio. The Deputy had identified the vehicle as matching a BOLO issued by the Massillon Police Dept. for a wanted suspect. The vehicle he was driving was reported as stolen.
The driver, identified as Van Creek Jones, II of of Massillon, Ohio was wanted on multiple felony charges out of Ohio including Robbery, Strangulation, Intimidation of a Witness, Violation of a Protection Order, Theft and Domestic Violence. Jones had reportedly made suicidal and homicidal threats and was believed to be armed.
Instead of stopping, Jones fled the attempted traffic stop and entered WV via US Route 30. The vehicle came to a stop just beyond the Chester exit where the officers along with a K9 handler from the St. Clair Township Police Dept. and Patrolman Swan of the Chester Police Dept. conducted a felony stop. Patolman Swan took into custody without incident.
In addition to the Ohio charges, Jones now faces charges in West Virginia including Bringing Stolen Property into the State. fleeing from an officer, and Driving While License Suspended. Patrolman Swan of the Chester Police Dept. was the arresting officer.
Jones was processed and transported to the Northern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
The Chester Police Dept. thanks the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, the East Liverpool Police Dept., St. Clair Township Police Dept. and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office for their actions and cooperation leading to this individual being taken into custody safely.
