
‘Misunderstanding’ Due to Language Barrier Led to Pursuit of Trucker From India, Police Say
Engelwood, OH — Police are blaming a trucker’s failure to understand English and U.S. laws for a pursuit yesterday morning.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OHSP), an officer initiated a traffic stop of a big rig operating along eastbound Interstate 70 in Preble County in the early morning hours on Monday.
Local outlet WHIO 7 News reported the tractor-trailer was being stopped due to a taillight being out.
However, the truck driver, who is reportedly an immigrant from India, did not stop.
A pursuit then ensued eventually resulting in the use of stop sticks.
The vehicle eventually came to a halt near the state Route 48 exit in Englewood, OSHP said.
The truck driver then refused to exit the cab not understanding why he was being pulled over.
OSHP was able to make contact with the driver by phone and explain why he was being stopped.
Investigators blamed the entire “misunderstanding” on a language barrier.
The truck driver was cited with a misdemeanor charge of failure to comply and released from custody, OSHP said.
The identity of the driver was not released by authorities.