UPDATE: A 28-year-old Cleveland man was arrested early this morning after a dramatic incident on Interstate 71. The man, who was reportedly intoxicated, flipped his Honda CR-V around 4 a.m. on January 29, 2026, and attempted to flee the scene, prompting a police chase.
Authorities received reports of a rollover crash on I-71 northbound at Interstate 480. When police arrived, they found the SUV overturned on its roof, but the driver was nowhere in sight. Witnesses indicated that he had fled toward Brookpark Road.
Police quickly followed the driver’s footprints in the snow and located him near Brookpark and West 164. When officers approached, they inquired about his involvement in the crash, to which he denied any connection, insisting he had not been in a crash at all. Despite police requests to stop, he continued walking away.
As officers attempted to detain him, the man resisted, saying, “Don’t touch me,” while pulling his arm away. After a brief struggle, police managed to restrain him and discovered the keys to the overturned SUV in his pants pocket. His cell phone was still inside the vehicle, and officers noted that he exhibited signs of intoxication, including a strong smell of alcohol and slurred speech.
The individual was eventually taken to Southwest General Health Center in Middleburg Heights for evaluation. This incident raises serious concerns about public safety and the dangers of drunk driving.
As investigations continue, authorities urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. This case highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and enforcement of drunk driving laws to prevent future tragedies on the road.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as more details emerge.
