Police chase in Minster ends in motorcyclist's death

MINSTER - A police chase ended when a Maria Stein man died after crashing his motorcycle early Sunday.

Nathan P. Thobe, 25, was driving his 2001 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle shortly before 3 a.m. Sunday when he fled from police officers attempting to pull him over.

The pursuit began at West First Street near the intersection with Cleveland Street after a Minster Police Department officer attempted to pull Thobe over for a traffic stop. Police said Thobe refused to pull over and attempted to flee from police.

Police officials said police officers chased Thobe north on Ohio Street. Thobe then continued north into Four Seasons Park and through two farm fields before turning back into the village. The pursuit continued south on Ohio Street into an industrial park.

Thobe was traveling west on Industrial Drive when he failed to make the turn and struck the curb at Executive Parkway. Thobe then overturned his motorcycle and was ejected from the motorcycle. He suffered fatal injuries, despite wearing a helmet.

Police officials said the chase lasted just less than 10 minutes.

According to Minster Police Department officials, units from New Bremen and Fort Loramie police departments, as well as a unit from the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office, assisted in the chase.

The Minster Fire Department and Minster Area Life Squad responded and Thobe was taken to Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys where he was pronounced dead.

Officials with the Wapakoneta post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said alcohol was a factor.

Police officials declined to release further information late Sunday saying the accident was still being investigated.