Alger man identified as driver killed after brief chase in Lima

LIMA — It was a vehicle defect — traveling with only one headlight — that prompted a Lima police officer to make a traffic stop near West Kibby and South West streets early Sunday. It was an Alger man, driving that vehicle, who died moments later after fleeing from the police officer.Sgt. Paula Strickler, of the Lima Police Department, said Steven L. Bailey, 41, of Alger, was behind the wheel of the vehicle. As the officer approached, Bailey put the vehicle in gear and sped away, turning south on Greenlawn Avenue.Police officials said the vehicle only made it about a block before the vehicle crashed into a parked pickup truck. Bailey was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle, Vicki Pummel, 54, of Alger, was first taken to Lima Memorial Health System and then transferred to the University of Toledo Medical Center, Strickler said. Pummel’s condition was not available late Monday afternoon.“We don’t know the relationship between Mr. Bailey and Ms. Pummel,” Strickler said. “We’ve not had the opportunity to speak with her yet.”Pummel was not considered a suspect in the incident, Strickler said.After the crash, officers learned the vehicle had been reported stolen, police officials said.Bailey has a history of traffic-related offenses, according to a check of Lima Municipal Court records. Bailey had previous cases for expired plates, driving under suspension, driving under the influence, failure to reinstate an operator’s license and possession of drug paraphernalia.You can comment on this story at www.limaohio.com.