The Portage County UFO Chase

In the early morning hours of April 17, 1966, police officers in Portage County, Ohio, began chasing an unidentified flying object that led them across state lines into Pennsylvania. The pursuit lasted over 80 miles and involved officers from multiple departments.

The Beginning

Deputies Dale Spaur and Wilbur Neff responded to an abandoned car and saw a disc-shaped object rise from the trees nearby. It moved toward their cruiser, bathing it in light, then began moving east. They gave chase.

The Chase

For approximately 40 minutes, the officers pursued the object at speeds up to 105 mph. They radioed their dispatcher, who contacted other departments. Officers in two additional counties joined the pursuit. The object stayed ahead of them effortlessly.

The Object

Witnesses described a disc-shaped craft, approximately 50 feet in diameter, with a bright dome on top. It moved silently and could accelerate instantaneously. When it stopped, the officers would approach, then it would move ahead again.

Project Blue Book

The Air Force’s explanation, that the officers were chasing a satellite and then Venus, was rejected by the witnesses. The explanation ignored the 80-mile pursuit, the multiple officers, and the object’s behavior.

Aftermath

Dale Spaur’s life fell apart after the incident. He lost his job and his marriage, always maintaining what he saw was real. The case became an example of how UFO witnesses could be dismissed despite their credibility.

Assessment

The Portage County case involved multiple trained observers across multiple jurisdictions pursuing the same object. The official explanation satisfied no one who examined the evidence.