Stop sticks used to end pursuit in Middletown

A 38-year-old Franklin man is facing multiple charges after Middletown police used stop sticks to end a short pursuit early Sunday morning, police said.

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The pursuit lasted 22 seconds and ended at 12:19 a.m. Sunday after stop sticks were used “in a safe manner” near Breiel Boulevard and Oxford State Road, said Middletown Division of Police Maj. David Birk.

When the driver, Duane E. Short, was stopped, he refused to get out of the vehicle that was reported stolen, according to Birk.

“Appropriate force” was used to apprehend Short, Birk said, adding that police try to limit pursuits to potential felony crimes and acts of violence.

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Short is charged with receiving stolen property, eluding a police officer, resisting arrest, reckless operation, DUI, driving under suspension, open flask, possession of a drug instrument/syringe and several bench warrants, police said.

Short appeared in Middletown Municipal Court on Monday and his preliminary hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. July 16, according to court records.

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