EAST PALESTINE — Two Pittsburgh men were arrested Wednesday in conjunction with a village narcotics investigation.

Micah Barnes was arrested on charges of felonious assault on a peace officer; failure to comply; drug trafficking; possessing weapons under a disability; and possession of criminal tools.

Also charged was Jaiden O. Curtis-Tillman with obstructing official business, after both men had attempted to deliver a substantial amount of cocaine.

Police Chief Chris Weingart reported that Barnes “purposely” rammed four East Palestine police cruisers while fleeing from the scene at a high rate of speed to evade capture.

Tillman was arrested on scene after being removed from the vehicle.

Authorities’ exhaustive search led them into western Pennsylvania, where Barnes had led police before exiting his vehicle and attempting to flee on foot.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Chippewa Township police K-9 unit and the Mahoning County sheriff drone assisted with Barnes’ eventual capture.

Barnes was transported to a Pennsylvania jail, where he awaits extradition back to Ohio.

“The East Palestine Police Department would like to commend all of the law enforcement officers involved in the search for Barnes and also to the East Palestine Fire Department for their assistance on the scene,” Weingart concluded. “The East Palestine Police Department will continue working hard with determined efforts and commitment to combat illegal drugs being brought into the village.”