Dayton NAACP Supports Tougher Penalties for People Fleeing Police
Dayton Unit NAACP President Dr. Derrick Foward said the organization wants lawmakers to use the “full weight of the law."
A deadly police pursuit earlier this week has prompted Dayton, Ohio’s, NAACP Unit to push state lawmakers to draft legislation that stiffens criminal charges against people whose decision to flee from law enforcement ends in a fatality.
Dayton Unit NAACP President Dr. Derrick Foward said the organization wants lawmakers to use the “full weight of the law. You need to make sure you’re doing everything to hold this young lady accountable” for what happened to Colby Ross, 35, who was killed Monday in a collision on U.S. 35 in Jefferson Township. that occurred at the end of a police pursuit, WHIO reports.
The young lady Foward was referring to is Melissa Hutchins, 50, of Dayton. She was driving and refused to stop after driving off from Butler Township police in a construction zone on I-75, then sped away a second time when Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies saw her three hours later, authorities say.
Hutchins lost control of the SUV she was driving, but continued through a red light. That’s where she hit Ross’s convertible, causing a collision that forced him into a pickup truck, officers report.
Ross was ejected and died of his injuries.
“We’re going to work with our legislators to come up with the legislation to deal with the individuals who cause death through the fleeing process,” he said, noting the Dayton Unit also is working on its own task force to monitor internal investigative reports law enforcement agencies write up after every pursuit.
More Patrol

Why Tennessee’s New Deadly Force Law Matters Beyond Tennessee
Tennessee’s new deadly force law is more limited than many may realize. Effective July 1, 2026, the law applies to a person who is not engaged in conduct that would constitute a felony or a Class A misdemeanor and who is in a place where the person lawfully resides. But it could have far-reaching influence.
Read More →
When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer by Police Vehicle?
Time-sensitive injuries like penetrating trauma mean a wounded officer needs to reach a trauma center as soon as possible, and in some cases, that means transporting by police vehicle rather than waiting for EMS. What are the factors to consider in making that transport decision?
Read More →
Safariland Solis Rethinks Concealable Duty
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
