A Niles man faces charges after Lordstown police say he almost ran into one of their cruisers and led them on a chase that reached speeds of 125 mph.

Mark Edward Koenig, 64, was scheduled for a court hearing on Tuesday.

According to the Lordstown police report, an officer was traveling north on Highland Avenue before midnight on Feb. 10 when a vehicle crossed the double yellow line, nearly striking his cruiser. Radar clocked the vehicle traveling 69 mph in a 35-mph zone.

The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled, leading to a pursuit that continued into Weathersfield Township and Niles. The report states that speeds reached 125 mph, and the vehicle nearly lost control several times.  The chase ended near West Park and Franklin Alley in Niles.

Officers reported a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Koenig.  He had difficulty exiting the vehicle and staggered, the report said.  Koenig admitted to drinking "too much" and, later at the police station, said he had consumed over 10 rum and cokes throughout the day and had taken Norco pills around 5 p.m.  Norco pills are an opioid used for pain management.

According to the report, a half-empty 1.75-liter bottle of the alcoholic beverage Buzz Ball was found in the passenger floorboard of Koenig's vehicle.  

The report noted that Koenig’s speech was slurred and mumbled, making it difficult to understand him. Police say Koenig refused a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer.

Koenig was taken to Trumbull Memorial Hospital for evaluation due to concerns about the combination of alcohol and medication.  He was later released and taken to the Trumbull County Jail.

Koenig was arraigned in Newton Falls Municipal Court on charges of fleeing and eluding, open container, OVI, reckless operation, and speeding.

While his case is pending, a judge prohibited Koenig from driving or using any intoxicants.