No one injured in apartment fire

DEERFIELD TWP. - No one was injured in an early morning fire at the Steeplechase Apartments that started when a cigarette was thrown into a bag of garbage, fire officials said.

The fire started about 3 a.m. Friday on the balcony of a second-floor apartment at 3525 Riverwood Lane. The fire quickly spread to the third-floor balcony and activated the smoke detectors, which woke up the residents.

The building has wood siding. Deputy Chief Nathan Bromen said that the smoke detectors notified residents early enough that the fire did not get out of hand.

No damage estimates were available.

Police catch suspects after car chase, crash

OXFORD - Two Hamilton men face charges after police say the men broke into several cars and then led police on a chase that ended in a crash.

Jason S. Sandlin, 25, and Michael J. Morris,19, are charged with felony theft, receiving stolen property and criminal damaging.

The incident unfolded about 6:20 p.m. Thursday when police received a report of two men breaking into vehicles, Oxford Det. Sgt. John Buchholz said. A description was broadcast to area police agencies, and Miami University officers spotted the suspects several minutes later.

Miami officers and Butler County Sheriff's deputies chased the two before they were caught at Morganthaler and Cotton Run roads in St. Clair Township, authorities said. Their car had crashed into two Miami University Police Department cruisers.

Officers Mitchell Hill, 24, and Brandon Burch, 25, were both treated at McCullough-Hyde Hospital. The two suspects were treated at Fort Hamilton Hospital.

Additional charges may be filed in connection with the chase, officials said.