The Batavia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a serious injury crash that occurred on Friday, August 25, 2023 at approximately 03:29 a.m. The crash occurred on Clough Pike near North Presidential Drive in Batavia Township, Clermont County, Ohio.

The preliminary investigation revealed a trooper from the Batavia Post attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a 2018 Kia Forte. The trooper observed multiple traffic violations while traveling southbound on I-275 near mile post 61 at approximately 03:22 am. The suspect vehicle failed to stop and a short pursuit ensued. At the intersection of Clough Pike and North Presidential Drive, the vehicle failed to negotiate a curve, drove off the right side of the roadway, and struck a tree. The Kia was occupied by four males. No occupants were wearing seatbelts and all sustained serious injuries. One rear seat passenger was ejected from the vehicle at the time of the crash. Marquez Barnes, age 18, of Cincinnati, was the front seat passenger and was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The driver and the two rear seat occupants were all juveniles and were transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

Troopers on scene were assisted by the Union Township Fire & EMS, Union Township Police Department, and the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash remains under investigation.