In a dramatic turn of events in Butler, Ohio, a man wanted on an active arrest warrant was struck by a vehicle driven by the town’s mayor while attempting to flee law enforcement. The incident, which took place on July 11 at a gas station on West Elm Street, has since drawn attention due to the involvement of Mayor Wesley Dingus behind the wheel during the police pursuit.

According to records from the Bellville Police Department, Mayor Dingus recognized 37-year-old Anthony Ward—who was wanted on a warrant—and promptly alerted local authorities. Ward had been convicted of sexual battery in 2021 and sentenced to four and a half years in prison. He was released early and eligible for parole as of February 2025. Mayor Dingus spotted Ward entering a vehicle and discreetly followed it to a nearby gas station while keeping law enforcement informed.

As police arrived on the scene and attempted to detain Ward, he tried to evade arrest by fleeing the vehicle and making a run for it. In the midst of this chaos, Mayor Dingus, who had parked his vehicle facing the road, noticed Ward bolting toward his direction. Attempting to steer away from the suspect, Dingus turned into a nearby alley. He later told investigators that he felt like he had hit something, prompting him to stop his car and exit. It was then he discovered Ward lying on the ground, injured.

Mayor Dingus claimed there was no intention to strike the suspect and that Ward may have run into his vehicle during the escape attempt. His account was partially supported by Bellville’s police chief, who arrived on the scene shortly after. According to the chief, after informing Ward of the warrant and asking him to step out of the vehicle, Ward resisted and fled. The officer attempted to draw his stun gun but experienced a holster malfunction. While troubleshooting the issue, he looked up and saw Dingus’ vehicle seemingly moving toward Ward’s path, appearing to aid in stopping him.

The police chief noted that while Dingus could have deliberately hit Ward if he wanted to, the evidence suggested he was attempting to block the route rather than target the suspect. A cashier working at the gas station also shared similar views, stating that the mayor seemed more interested in containing Ward than injuring him.

Reports indicate that the rear passenger-side tire of Dingus’ vehicle may have made contact with Ward’s leg or foot. Ward was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. Dingus’ vehicle has since been taken into evidence for further analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.

Following the incident, Ward claimed that Mayor Dingus deliberately attempted to run him over. He also stated that he feared for his safety when approached by the police and fled because he believed he was in immediate danger. These claims are being considered by authorities as they continue their inquiry.

As of now, no charges have been filed against Mayor Dingus. The Bellville Police Department has not released any statements suggesting foul play or intentional harm by the mayor, and they are continuing to collect evidence and eyewitness accounts.

This unusual incident highlights the complex challenges law enforcement and civilians can face when acting in tense, rapidly unfolding situations. The investigation remains active, and updates will follow as more information becomes available regarding the mayor’s role and the circumstances surrounding Ward’s apprehension.