BLANCHESTER — Blanchester police are seeking tips on a man wanted on several charges — including alleged domestic violence — following a foot chase Tuesday.

At around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday police responded to 5325 Clearview Ave. in response to a call reporting a domestic dispute.

According to Police Chief Scott Reinbolt, Samantha Bobbitt, 22, reported that she was assaulted by her boyfriend while holding their infant child. Her boyfriend is Nicholas Jacobs, 31, who resides in the home with Bobbitt and her mother, Reinbolt said.

“Jacobs fled prior to the officer’s arrival. The police department holds two warrants for Jacobs’ arrest from prior incidents of domestic violence against Bobbitt,” said Reinbolt. “Jacobs has an extensive criminal record.

“About 20 minutes later officers were in the 300 block of East Center Street investigating a stolen vehicle complaint when Jacobs came walking down the sidewalk,” Reinbolt said. “He saw the officers, who told him he was under arrest. Jacobs fled. A foot pursuit followed, but officers lost sight of Jacobs behind Putman Elementary School. Citizens provided tips on Jacobs’ whereabouts throughout the afternoon, but he eluded arrest.

On Wednesday the police department filed several criminal charges in response to the actions of those involved in this incident, Reinbolt said:

• Jacobs was charged with domestic violence, endangering children and resisting arrest.

• Samantha Bobbitt was charged with obstructing justice for harboring a fugitive. Bobbitt has been previously informed by police that Jacobs is a wanted fugitive, but permitted him to reside with her nonetheless, Reinbolt said.

All charges are misdemeanors and will be answered in the Clinton County Municipal Court.

Crash and O.V.I.

At around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday BPD Ptl. Sarah Luken was at 122 Pansy Pike investigating a traffic crash when she saw a blue car speed by the residence, then heard screeching tires and a loud crash up the block, Reinbolt said, who added that it appeared the blue car had struck several mailboxes and continued eastbound on Pansy Pike.

He said Ptl. Luken gave chase in her cruiser, and stopped the car in front of 150 Pansy Pike.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to assist.

“Ptl. Luken found the driver and sole occupant of the car to be Elias Willis, 31, who stated he is homeless,” Reinbolt said. “She administered field sobriety tests to Willis, and based upon his performance on those tests, arrested him for O.V.I. He was taken to the Blanchester police station where he refused to provide a sample of his blood, breath or urine.”

He was then taken to the Clinton County Jail where he was held in lieu of posting bond, Reinbolt said, adding that Willis will answer the charge in Clinton County Municipal Court.

“We are grateful to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their assistance as our officers had an extremely busy day yesterday (Tuesday),” Reinbolt said.