A man who allegedly led police on a seven-minute pursuit through Akron early Tuesday morning recorded video of the entire chase on his girlfriend’s cellphone, according to police reports.
Jessie M. Smith, 27, faced felony charges of willful fleeing and obstructing official business after his arrest. He also had warrants for his arrest regarding a parole violation out of California and for allegedly violating a protection order.
In Smith’s video, which police released Tuesday afternoon, he can be heard describing the chase as his “last ride.”
“I’m about to go down for 10 or better, five or better at least,” he says over loud rap music, referring to prison time he might face for the chase. “So all y’all n******* enjoy this s***.”
Several times, he holds the phone outside of a sunroof to show the police, sirens blaring and lights flashing, in pursuit behind him. Police said the chase reached speeds of 80 miles per hour.
Smith is heard on the video boasting that he’s been stealing cars “since I was about 13, 14” years old.
Police said he drove through a red traffic light at one point and almost struck an ambulance that was passing through the intersection. The ambulance driver’s evasive actions prevented a crash.
According to reports, the incident began at about 2 a.m. near Sunset and Clinton avenues while police were investigating a report of a shot fired in the city’s Firestone Park neighborhood. A 27-year-old woman told police that she and Smith, her boyfriend, were arguing while he drove her 1995 Honda Civic. She left the vehicle, but she said Smith drove off with her keys and cellphone.
As police interviewed the woman, who said Smith threatened her, officers saw Smith drive past in his vehicle. They followed him and gave chase after he refused to pull over, they reported.
The pursuit included stretches of Interstate 77, state Route 8 and the Akron Innerbelt before Smith was stopped on Euclid Avenue.
In a news release, police described Smith as having a “total lack of concern for the safety” of Akron residents.
Nick Glunt can be reached at 330-996-3565 or nglunt@thebeaconjournal.com.