Updated: Suspect crashes into police cruiser

SANDUSKY — A suspect is in custody after he struck a Sandusky police officer's cruiser while allegedly attempting to evade police Friday afternoon. Amir Ashakih, 23, of Bowling Green, was arrested at the scene of the crash on North Depot Street in Sandusky. He's been charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, fleeing and eluding, cocaine possession and cocaine trafficking. The crash occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. Sandusky police Chief Jared Oliver said Ashakih failed to stop when an officer tried to pull his vehicle over at Polk and Lindsley streets for allegedly not stopping at a stop sign. While allegedly fleeing from officers, the suspect's vehicle, a white SUV, turned from Hayes Avenue (Ohio 4) onto North Depot Street. While turning, the suspect's SUV crossed into the oncoming lane and sideswiped a maroon-colored minivan, Oliver said. The SUV continued in the oncoming lane and struck a Sandusky police cruiser head-on. Both the SUV and cruiser suffered "disabling" front-end damage, Oliver said. Oliver said the suspect, police officer and driver of the sideswiped minivan were all being checked out at the hospital with minor injuries. The officer driving the cruiser, Officer Ronta Hill, suffered only "very minor" injuries. "I'm very thankful our officer is okay," Oliver said. The cocaine charges were for drugs allegedly found inside the car and on Ashakih's person, the chief said. Officers also found pills that they are trying to identify. Ashakih was treated and released from the hospital and taken to the Erie County Jail, where he's being held without bond.