WELLSVILLE — A 23-year-old Wellsville-area man was arrested by the Miami County Sheriff’s office after he escaped after a brief chase. Last November, after receiving a tip about a stolen trailer, the sheriff’s office raided 39473 W. 247th St., southeast of Wellsville. They seized nearly $200,000 in stolen property, Miami County Undersheriff Wayne Minckley said. However, the resident, Brad Gillespie, wasn’t at the property and couldn’t be located. Deputies served another search warrant and raided the same property Friday, Minckley said. More additional stolen property was recovered, which included a lawn mower and power tools, he said. Again, Gillespie couldn’t be found. However, a deputy spotted Gillespie driving a vehicle in Miami County and tried to stop him. He took off and after a short pursuit, he eluded deputies. Minckley said that later, they learned Gillespie was at his home and Miami and Franklin county deputies and Wellsville police surrounded the home. He surrendered without incident. He was charged with possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and eluding a police officer, Minckley said.
Tuesday, March 15, 4 p.m.
