Two-state police pursuit reaching speeds of 100 mph ends in crash

MASON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A driver reached speeds of more than 100 mph Thursday, with flashing lights and sirens in his rearview mirror.

The Hartford Police Department, Mason City Police Department and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office were all involved in the chase that began around 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

The New Haven Police Department and Hartford Police Department chased the driver, later identified as Cody Kinzel, into the town of Mason at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

“He was passing several cars at a high rate of speed, not able to maintain control most of the time. He was swerving in and out of other lanes of traffic,” Mason Police Chief Colton McKinney said.

One community member tells WSAZ she was with Kinzel before he took off.

“He wasn’t the Cody I knew ... he’s a very good friend, very good brother, he tries hard. He just has some inner demons like everybody,” Brandie Dye said. “I was scared for him to take off because I knew he could possibly hurt himself or anyone else.”

Officials say Kinzel hit at least one car on his way into Ohio.

According to police, Kinzel only drove about a mile into Pomeroy before he crashed into a telephone pole, totaling the vehicle.

After crashing, law enforcement says Kinzel took off running.

“The officers, when I spoke to them, were very surprised that he was able to move and what he was able to do -- just take off running. But with adrenaline, the human body can do a lot,” McKinney said.

He was eventually caught and turned over to EMS for injuries he received during the crash.

The pursuit was about 10 to 15 minutes long, officials report.

Kinzel was flown to the hospital for treatment of a possible head injury.

Police say Kinzel, 25, of New Haven, is expected to face felony fleeing, reckless operation and other charges at the Mason County Magistrate Office -- once released from medical treatment.

“Seeing all the agencies in the area coming together and containing the situation is astonishing,” McKinney said. “Teamwork and communication ... are what help stop this from becoming a bigger situation. Every officer involved did a fantastic job.”

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