The man who allegedly robbed a West Chester drug store and led police on a wild chase on Monday that critically injured a police officer remains behind bars on a high bond.
Thomas Joyce, 32, of West Union, was arraigned on several charges in a Butler County courtroom on Tuesday.
Joyce received a $1 million bond for aggravated robbery, $15,000 for failure to comply, $1,000 for OVI and a $250 fine for an improper lane change.
The charges all relate to an alleged early morning Walgreen's Pharmacy robbery in West Chester and subsequent police chase to Downtown Cincinnati.
During that police chase, 23-year-old Lockland police officer and firefighter Brandon Gehring was struck by a West Chester cruiser while he was laying down stop sticks on Interstate 75.
The officer driving the West Chester Police cruiser was Officer Kevin Burger, a five year veteran of the force. He has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigations.
On Monday night, Gehring's family, friends and co-workers held a prayer service at the Reading-Lockland Presbyterian Church. That's where they learned he is responding to his parents and squeezing their hands.
Joyce was not able to enter a plea because he did not have an attorney present. An attorney will be appointed for him.
He will return to court next Tuesday.
There is also a benefit scheduled to help Officer Gehring and his family.
The benefit will be held on April 28 at
Metropolis Nightclub at the Cincinnati Mall.
The event begins at 8 p.m. and costs $10 at the door.
If you wish to make a donation, whether it’s a monetary or a prize for the raffle, contact Officer Keith Ryan, (513)761-1699 or Scott Hughes, (513)623-2465.
To learn how you can help other officers who may fall into a situation like this, visit "The Shield" at
theshieldohio.com.
