A vehicle chase that began in Highland County on Tuesday ended with the alleged discovery of several drugs and the arrest of two men.

For a number of miles on SR 73 — including on both the Wilmington bypass and where the state route is four lanes near Harveysburg — a vehicle fleeing from Ohio State Highway Patrol went the wrong way before apparent engine trouble and stop sticks ended the incident.

Once the incident was over, law enforcement personnel found meth, needles, scales, empty capsules and some pills inside the 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, according to Lt. Stan Jordan, commander of the state patrol’s Wilmington post.

The driver of the vehicle was James Crolley, 33, of Germantown. Michael McGlothin, 30, of New Lebanon (Montgomery County), was a passenger.

About 4:43 p.m. Tuesday, officers attempted to stop the Grand Prix on SR 73 in Highland County as it headed west. But the car “took off” and fled on SR 73 with the driver operating the vehicle very recklessly, according to Jordan.

Crolley drove his vehicle the wrong way on the Wilmington bypass which has two lanes in both directions, and is separated by a grass median.

SR 73 has four lanes in Warren County around Harveysburg.

During the incident, two law enforcement cruisers were damaged as was the Grand Prix. No injuries are reported, Jordan said.

All told, there were six charges filed — four felonies and two misdemeanors. They are felony fleeing and eluding, tampering with evidence, drug paraphernalia, possessing drug abuse instruments, drug possession (a second-degree felony), and an alleged dangerous drugs violation.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.