By Kelli Wynn and Doug Page, Dayton Daily News
Original publication date: May 26, 2011

Dayton, Ohio — A man called 911 around 3 a.m. Wednesday to report that he was being chased by another car before his car crashed into a pole, killing a passenger.

The driver told a 911 dispatcher he was traveling east on West Third Street near Taft Avenue in Jefferson Twp. and was being chased by someone driving a red Escort. The driver also reported someone in the Escort was throwing something at his vehicle.

Montgomery County Sheriff deputies, who were the first to arrive at the crash scene in the 3400 block of West Third Street, told police that some screaming was heard during the call that the driver made to the dispatch center. Then the call was quiet before the male voice returned to say that he had hit a pole and needed an ambulance.

Deputies found Shelly Bailey, 36, of Jefferson Twp. deceased on the ground, Pauley said.

The force of the collision tore off the front third of the vehicle, throwing the hood assembly some 20 yards into the front yard of a vacant house. The car, missing its front wheels and axle, ended up on its roof.

Car parts were strewn across the westbound lanes of West Third Street.

The male driver was being treated at the Miami Valley Hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening, according to Dayton Police Sgt. Michael Pau-ley. His identity was not immediately released, but police believe he is at least 20 years old and might live in Trotwood.

Mike Porter was on his front porch when he heard a screech, as if a car was skidding out of control, and then a boom. When he arrived on the scene, he heard the driver moaning in the wrecked car.

Porter said he saw a dark-colored car speed from the scene.

“It had just happened when I pulled up,” said Eric McKinney, who was returning home minutes after the accident. “Somebody (in the car) was still moving. At first, I didn’t know it was a car. It didn’t look like a car.”

Crash investigators questioned the male driver at the hospital, and he told police that he did not have anyone in the car with him. However, Pauley said sheriff deputies reported that when the male driver made the 911 call he said, “we are being chased.” Police also believe Bailey was a passenger in the car based on her injuries at the scene, Pauley said.

The male driver was not able to tell police how many occupants were in the Escort or give a description of the Escort’s driver. 

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