Press Release


Defiance, Ohio — On February 26, 2026, at approximately 12:46 a.m., officers of the Defiance Police Department arrested Matthew Kiessling following a traffic stop that escalated into an assault on officers and a vehicle pursuit in the area of South Clinton Street and Downs Avenue.

At approximately 12:42 a.m., a Defiance Police officer conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Ford F-150 at the Marathon Gas Station located at 1163 South Clinton Street. The driver was identified as Matthew Kiessling, who was found to have an active felony warrant from Henry County, Ohio for Attempted Burglary (F-5).

When officers advised Kiessling he was under arrest, he refused lawful commands to exit the vehicle and actively resisted. During the ensuing struggle at the driver’s door, Kiessling placed the vehicle in reverse and accelerated, striking two officers with the open door and causing injuries. He then rammed two marked Defiance Police cruisers and fled westbound from the scene at a high rate of speed, creating a significant danger to officers and the public.

The vehicle was later located in the 1100 block of Holgate Avenue, where Kiessling fled on foot. After a coordinated search involving a Defiance Police K-9 unit, officers located Kiessling hiding beneath a vehicle nearby. He was taken into custody without further incident.

Both injured officers were treated at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital and released. Two Defiance Police cruisers sustained damage during the incident.

Kiessling was transported to the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio (CCNO). In addition to the Henry County warrant, charges related to the assault on officers, failure to comply, and vehicular assault are being submitted to the Defiance County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Defiance Police Department at 419-784-5050.

Sgt. Ridgway