18-Year-Old Driver Arrested After 130‑Mph Pursuit Crashes Into Columbus Home
Updated (2 articles)
High‑Speed Chase Initiated on Route 161 After Trooper Stop Attempt An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper tried to stop 18‑year‑old Mohammed Ndiaye on State Route 161 for driving without headlights, prompting the driver to flee eastward at an estimated 130 mph around 2:41 a.m. on February 26, 2026 [1][2]. The pursuit continued with an aviation unit that captured video of the Infiniti G37 accelerating, weaving onto Sharon Woods Boulevard, and losing control. Trooper Lt. Brice Nihiser described the chase as “high‑speed” and noted the vehicle’s reckless maneuvering before the crash.
Crash Occurred at Stella Asare’s Home Around 2:45 a.m., Shaking the Residence Ndiaye’s car slammed into the side of Stella Asare’s garage on Sharon Woods Boulevard, tearing through the structure and striking a parked car, while the family inside awoke to a heavy thud that rattled the house [1][2]. Despite extensive damage to the garage and numerous boxes, neither Asare, her husband, nor the driver sustained injuries. Police lights illuminated the scene as officers arrived moments after the impact, confirming the property damage but no human harm.
Driver Detained, Charged with Failure to Comply, Arraignment Set for Friday After the crash, a helicopter tracked Ndiaye attempting to flee on foot; officers apprehended him a short distance away and transported him to the Franklin County Jail [1][2]. He was booked on a charge of failure to comply with a police officer and is scheduled for arraignment on Friday morning in Franklin County Municipal Court. Both reports emphasize that the charge stems from his refusal to obey the trooper’s initial traffic stop.
Home Declared Unsafe; Family Must Find Temporary Housing While Packing for Ghana Columbus officials inspected the damaged residence and deemed it unsafe for occupancy, forcing the Asares, who were preparing to relocate to Ghana, to seek temporary accommodation while salvaging belongings [1]. This detail appears only in the first article, highlighting the broader impact on the family beyond the immediate crash.
Investigation Continues, No Injuries Confirmed by OSHP Ohio State Highway Patrol officials confirmed that no occupants were injured and that the investigation into the circumstances of the pursuit and crash remains ongoing [2]. The OSHP will review the helicopter footage and other evidence to determine any additional violations or procedural considerations.
Sources
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1.
WBNS:Columbus Home Crushed by High‑Speed Pursuit Crash: Details the 130‑mph chase, crash into Stella Asare’s garage, driver’s arrest, unsafe‑home declaration, and the family’s need for temporary housing while preparing to move to Ghana .
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2.
WBNS:Teen Driver Crashes Into Columbus Home After 130‑mph Police Pursuit: Focuses on the chase speed, helicopter video, driver’s booking and charge, and notes the ongoing investigation, without mentioning the home‑safety assessment .
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Timeline
Feb 26, 2026 (≈2:41 a.m.) – Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper attempts to stop 18‑year‑old Mohammed Ndiaye on State Route 161 for driving without lights; Ndiaye accelerates, prompting a high‑speed pursuit. Lt. Brice Nihiser says, “the 2013 Infiniti G37 was traveling east on Route 161 at about 2:41 a.m.” [2]
Feb 26, 2026 (≈2:45 a.m.) – The fleeing vehicle reaches about 130 mph, turns onto Sharon Woods Boulevard, loses control and crashes through the side of Stella Asare’s garage, shattering the structure but causing no injuries; “neither occupants of the house nor the driver were hurt,” the trooper confirms. [1][2]
Feb 26, 2026 (shortly after crash) – Ohio State Highway Patrol aviation unit records the crash on helicopter video, later used as evidence in the ongoing investigation. [2]
Feb 26, 2026 (minutes after crash) – Police apprehend Ndiaye down the street, book him at Franklin County Jail and charge him with failure to comply; an arraignment is set for the following morning. [1][2]
Feb 26, 2026 (later that morning) – Columbus officials declare the Asare residence unsafe; the family, who were packing to relocate to Ghana, must secure temporary housing while salvaging belongings. [1]
Feb 27, 2026 (Friday morning) – Mohammed Ndiaye appears in Franklin County Municipal Court for arraignment on the failure‑to‑comply charge, the first judicial step following the high‑speed pursuit. [1][2]
Feb 2026 (ongoing) – Ohio State Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the pursuit and crash, reviewing the helicopter footage and traffic‑stop procedures. [2]