Dumpster hiding spot fails after footprints lead officers straight to suspect
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Dumpster hiding spot fails after footprints lead officers straight to suspect

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1 min read
March 27, 2026

Wild chase ends with suspect found hiding in dumpster after snowy foot pursuit

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A high-speed chase through Columbus streets ended in a bizarre discovery when a fleeing suspect was found hiding inside a dumpster after officers tracked footprints in the snow.

The early morning chaos unfolded around 2:11 a.m. on Monday, March 17, when a stolen vehicle was spotted near Wedgewood Drive and Sullivant Avenue.

What followed quickly escalated.

The vehicle took off at a high rate of speed after a traffic stop was attempted, leading officers on a pursuit that only came to an end after spike strips were deployed.

Once the car finally stopped near Sullivant Avenue and Georgesville Road, the suspects bailed out and ran — disappearing into the snowy surroundings.

But the snow worked against them.

Fresh footprints left a clear trail, allowing officers to track one suspect directly to a dumpster, where Emory Ferguson was found hiding.

As officers moved in to make the arrest, the situation turned violent.

Ferguson allegedly punched and bit one officer while also pulling the hair of another during the struggle, according to police.

A second suspect, identified as a juvenile, was also located nearby and taken into custody.

Both suspects were ultimately arrested, bringing the chaotic sequence — from car chase to foot pursuit to dumpster hiding — to an end.


Key Points

  • Stolen vehicle fled traffic stop leading to high-speed chase
  • Suspect tracked by footprints in snow and found in dumpster
  • Officer assaulted during arrest as second suspect also caught
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News

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