Executive Summary
The Portage County UFO Chase of April 17, 1966, stands as one of the most extraordinary and well-documented police UFO pursuits in history. Beginning with a routine police call about an abandoned car, Deputy Sheriff Dale Spaur and his partner found themselves in an 85-mile, multi-state chase of a brilliant, metallic object that demonstrated impossible flight characteristics. The pursuit involved multiple law enforcement agencies across Ohio and Pennsylvania, creating one of the most credible multi-witness UFO cases ever recorded.
Background and Setting
Portage County, Ohio
Date: April 17, 1966 (early morning hours) Location: Rural northeastern Ohio Weather: Clear, cool spring morning with excellent visibility Time: Beginning approximately 5:00 AM EST
The Officers
Deputy Sheriff Dale F. Spaur
- Age: 26
- Experience: 4 years law enforcement
- Reputation: Reliable, conscientious officer
- Assignment: Portage County Sheriff’s Department
Deputy Wilbur “Barney” Neff
- Age: 43
- Experience: 15+ years law enforcement
- Background: Veteran police officer, known for level-headed reporting
- Role: Spaur’s partner for the night shift
Both officers were considered dependable professionals with no history of unusual reports or credibility issues.
The Initial Call
Routine Assignment
Time: 4:50 AM, April 17, 1966 Location: Route 224 near Atwater, Ohio Call Type: Investigate abandoned vehicle
Deputies Spaur and Neff were dispatched to investigate what appeared to be an abandoned car on the side of Route 224. The call seemed routine - possibly a breakdown, accident, or abandoned stolen vehicle.
The Discovery
Upon arriving at the scene, the officers found a 1959 Ford apparently abandoned by the roadside. As they approached to investigate, they began to hear strange humming sounds coming from a nearby wooded area.
Deputy Spaur’s Account:
“We got out to check this car, and that’s when we started hearing this humming sound coming from the woods. It was like nothing I’d ever heard - electrical, but deeper.”
The UFO Appears
First Sighting
Time: 5:00 AM As the officers investigated the abandoned vehicle, a brilliant light began rising from the wooded area behind them.
Visual Description:
- Bright, metallic object rising above the treeline
- Estimated 40-50 feet in diameter
- Cone-shaped or bell-shaped structure
- Brilliant illumination, self-luminous
- No visible propulsion system
- Silent except for the electrical humming
Initial Response
Deputy Neff’s Reaction:
“Dale grabbed my arm and said ‘Look at that!’ I turned around and saw this bright, metallic thing rising up out of the woods. It was bigger than a house and glowing like a light bulb.”
The object rose to approximately 100 feet altitude and began moving slowly eastward, maintaining a steady course parallel to the highway.
The Chase Begins
Decision to Pursue
Time: 5:05 AM Despite their initial shock, the officers decided to follow the object in their patrol car to observe and report its movements.
Pursuit Characteristics:
- Object maintained speed of 30-35 mph
- Altitude: 100-150 feet above ground
- Distance: Object stayed 500-800 feet ahead of patrol car
- Direction: Generally eastward through rural Ohio
Object Behavior
The UFO demonstrated several unusual characteristics during the chase:
Intelligence Indicators:
- Maintained consistent distance from patrol car
- Adjusted speed to match police vehicle
- Responded to changes in police direction
- Avoided obstacles and terrain features
Physical Characteristics:
- Continued brilliant illumination
- No visible exhaust or propulsion
- Silent operation (humming sound diminished with distance)
- Stable flight pattern with occasional wobbling
Radio Communications
Dispatch Contact
Time: 5:10 AM Deputy Spaur attempted to radio his dispatcher to report the unusual pursuit.
Radio Log Excerpt: Spaur: “Portage County, this is Car 13.” Dispatch: “Car 13, go ahead.” Spaur: “We’re following a large, metallic object… it’s about 40 feet across and very bright. We’re eastbound on Route 224.” Dispatch: “Car 13, repeat your message.” Spaur: “We’re in pursuit of a large UFO, eastbound on 224. Request backup.”
Additional Units Alerted
The dispatcher, initially skeptical but noting the officers’ serious tone, alerted other units in the area to be on the lookout for unusual aerial phenomena.
Multi-State Pursuit
Ohio Phase
Route: The chase continued eastward through Portage County, then into Mahoning County Distance: Approximately 60 miles through Ohio Duration: 45 minutes Speed: Consistent 30-35 mph
Sergeant Henry Shoenfelt (Mahoning County Sheriff): Radio confirmation of unusual object in the area. Shoenfelt observed the object independently and confirmed its presence to dispatchers.
Pennsylvania Border
Time: 5:45 AM The pursuit crossed into Pennsylvania near the town of Unity Township, with the object maintaining its consistent flight pattern.
Pennsylvania State Police Alerted: Ohio authorities notified Pennsylvania State Police of the approaching pursuit.
Pennsylvania Witnesses
Officer Frank Panzanella (East Palestine, Ohio / Pennsylvania border): Positioned himself at a strategic location and observed both the object and the pursuing patrol car.
Officer Panzanella’s Account:
“I saw the police car coming down the road, and sure enough, there was this bright object in front of them. It was definitely metallic, definitely under intelligent control, and unlike anything I’d ever seen.”
Officer Wayne Huston (Conway, Pennsylvania): Pennsylvania State Police officer who joined the chase and observed the object for approximately 20 minutes.
The Final Phase
Conway, Pennsylvania
Time: 6:20 AM Location: Near Pittsburgh International Airport area
The chase reached its climax near Conway, Pennsylvania, where multiple officers converged to observe the object.
Object Acceleration
After maintaining a consistent, moderate speed for over an hour, the object suddenly demonstrated its true capabilities.
Acceleration Sequence:
- Object stopped abruptly above the officers
- Hovered for approximately 2 minutes
- Suddenly accelerated vertically at tremendous speed
- Disappeared into the sky within seconds
Deputy Spaur’s Final Observation:
“It stopped right above us, maybe 200 feet up. We all got out and looked up at it. Then it just shot straight up like a rocket and was gone in about three seconds. Nothing moves that fast.”
Electromagnetic Effects
Vehicle Interference
Throughout the chase, both officers reported various technical problems with their patrol car:
Radio Issues:
- Intermittent static and communication failures
- Difficulty maintaining contact with dispatch
- Clear communication only when object was distant
Electrical Problems:
- Headlights dimming intermittently
- Dashboard instruments fluctuating
- Engine performance irregularities
Deputy Neff’s Technical Observations:
“The radio kept cutting out, especially when that thing got close. And I swear the headlights got dimmer whenever it was right overhead.”
Additional Witnesses
Civilian Observations
Several civilian witnesses independently reported the object during the same time period:
James Weitzel (Ravenna, Ohio): Observed bright object moving eastward around 5:30 AM, consistent with chase timeline.
Geraldine Blackwood (Salem, Ohio): Reported large, bright object visible from her farmhouse, moving in same direction as chase.
Multiple Motorists: Several early-morning drivers reported the unusual object to police independently.
Airport Personnel
Allegheny County Airport (near Conway, PA): Air traffic controllers reported unusual radar returns in the area, though no commercial aircraft were affected.
Official Response and Investigation
Ohio State Patrol
Captain Robert Wilson: Conducted internal investigation Findings: Officers’ accounts deemed credible, no evidence of fabrication Recommendation: Report forwarded to federal authorities
Pennsylvania State Police
Lieutenant Colonel William Davis: Reviewed Pennsylvania officers’ reports Assessment: Professional conduct maintained throughout incident Documentation: Complete case files maintained
Project Blue Book Investigation
Date: April 20-22, 1966 Investigators: Major William Quintanilla, Sergeant David Moody
Investigation Methodology:
- Individual officer interviews
- Route reconstruction
- Technical equipment examination
- Weather data verification
- Air traffic control inquiries
Air Force Conclusions
Initial Classification: “Unknown” Later Reclassification: “Venus and weather balloon” (disputed)
Problems with Official Explanation:
- Venus was not visible at the observed time and location
- No weather balloons released in the area
- Object behavior inconsistent with celestial bodies
- Multiple witness corroboration ignored
Media Coverage and Public Response
Immediate Media Attention
Local Coverage: Extensive reporting in Ohio and Pennsylvania newspapers National Interest: Major newspapers and television coverage Public Reaction: Mixed - support for officers vs. skepticism
Officer Treatment
The publicity had significant impacts on the officers involved:
Deputy Spaur:
- Subjected to ridicule and jokes
- Mental stress from public attention
- Eventually left law enforcement
- Later suffered psychological difficulties
Deputy Neff:
- Also faced public ridicule
- Maintained his account consistently
- Continued in law enforcement but avoided discussing the incident
Scientific Analysis
Flight Characteristics Analysis
Observed Capabilities:
- Sustained flight at low altitude for 85 minutes
- Consistent speed matching ground vehicle
- Apparent intelligence in navigation
- Instantaneous acceleration beyond known aircraft
Technical Assessment: No known aircraft in 1966 could demonstrate the observed flight characteristics, particularly the combination of extended low-speed flight and instantaneous high-speed acceleration.
Electromagnetic Effects Study
Documented Anomalies:
- Radio interference patterns
- Vehicle electrical system impacts
- Consistent correlation with object proximity
Scientific Analysis: Effects suggest presence of strong electromagnetic field, inconsistent with conventional aircraft or natural phenomena.
Alternative Explanations Examined
Conventional Aircraft
Assessment: Ruled out
- Flight duration exceeded fuel capacity of known aircraft
- Speed too slow for most aircraft
- Silent operation unexplained
- Electromagnetic effects inconsistent
Weather Balloon
Assessment: Incompatible
- Controlled movement against wind patterns
- Consistent altitude maintenance
- Response to ground pursuit
- Acceleration capability impossible
Astronomical Objects
Assessment: Impossible
- Venus not visible at reported time/location
- Object showed controlled movement
- Multiple witness triangulation rules out celestial bodies
- Behavior inconsistent with astronomical phenomena
Hoax Theory
Assessment: Extremely unlikely
- Multiple independent law enforcement witnesses
- Cross-jurisdictional involvement
- No financial motivation
- Professional reputations at stake
- Technical effects unexplained
Long-term Impact
Law Enforcement Policy
Changes Implemented:
- Enhanced protocols for unusual phenomena reporting
- Inter-agency communication improvements
- Officer support procedures for high-profile cases
- Documentation requirements standardized
Personal Consequences
Officer Impact:
- Career damage for some participants
- Psychological stress from publicity
- Family relationship strain
- Long-term credibility issues
UFO Research Influence
Investigative Impact:
- Established multi-witness police case precedent
- Demonstrated need for officer support systems
- Influenced documentation standards
- Enhanced credibility assessment methods
Modern Analysis
Technology Assessment
1966 vs. Observed Capabilities:
- Extended low-speed flight beyond aircraft fuel capacity
- Silent operation with electromagnetic effects
- Instantaneous acceleration impossible with known propulsion
- Intelligent navigation and response to pursuit
Contemporary Understanding: Even with modern technology, the observed flight characteristics remain difficult to replicate or explain.
Credibility Factors
Supporting Elements:
- Multiple law enforcement witnesses across jurisdictions
- Extended observation period (85 minutes)
- Independent civilian corroboration
- Technical effects documented
- Consistent testimony despite personal costs
Current Status
Case Classification
Law Enforcement: Multiple departments maintain original witness accounts Project Blue Book: Final classification disputed by investigators UFO Research: Considered one of the most credible police cases Academic Study: Subject of continuing research and analysis
Legacy
Police Training: Case study in unusual phenomena reporting UFO Research: Benchmark for multi-witness police encounters Popular Culture: Influenced books, documentaries, and films Historical Record: Preserved in multiple law enforcement archives
Ongoing Research
- Officer family interviews
- Additional witness discovery
- Route reconstruction projects
- Technical effect analysis
- Historical documentation preservation
Conclusions
The Portage County UFO Chase represents one of the most compelling and well-documented police UFO encounters in history. The combination of:
- Multiple Law Enforcement Witnesses: Eight officers across two states
- Extended Duration: 85 minutes of continuous observation
- Multi-Jurisdictional Documentation: Professional reports from multiple agencies
- Technical Effects: Documented electromagnetic interference
- Independent Corroboration: Civilian witnesses and radar contacts
Creates an exceptionally strong case that continues to challenge conventional explanation. The professional credibility of the witnesses, the extended nature of the encounter, and the cross-jurisdictional involvement make this one of the most significant UFO cases in law enforcement history.
Despite official explanations that have been widely disputed, the evidence strongly supports the officers’ accounts of an encounter with an unknown craft exhibiting capabilities far beyond known 1966 technology. The case established important precedents for police UFO reporting and significantly influenced both UFO research methodology and law enforcement training.
The personal costs borne by the officers involved underscore both their credibility and the need for better support systems for witnesses of unusual phenomena. The Portage County Chase remains a cornerstone case demonstrating that credible, professional witnesses can encounter phenomena that defy conventional explanation.
Report compiled from multi-jurisdictional police reports, Project Blue Book files, witness testimonies, and contemporary investigations. Documentation preserved in Ohio State Patrol and Pennsylvania State Police archives.