Cincinnati man sentenced to more than 50 years in prison for violent crimes

SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio – Christopher Lorenzo Peake, a 41-year-old Cincinnati resident, was sentenced to more than 50 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of violent crimes, including attempted murder, aggravated robbery and carjacking, followed by a dangerous car chase high speed. The verdict and sentencing concluded a three-day trial in Scioto County on November 7, 2024.

Peake's crime spree began on January 5, 2024, when he and another person attempted to break into a home on Houston Hollow Road. The resident confronted them, causing Peake and his accomplice to flee on foot toward the Scioto County Career Technical Center. Shortly thereafter, Peake approached a man waiting in his truck near the school, pointed a gun at him and ultimately shot through the truck's window, ejecting the victim, before taking the vehicle.

Assistant School Resource Officer Logan Shuff heard the gunshot and saw the stolen truck speed away. This sparked a high-speed chase in which Peake led officers through several school and residential areas, often reaching speeds of over 120 miles per hour and at times driving on the wrong side of the road. Despite law enforcement's attempts to stop him with stop sticks, Peake swerved around them, briefly crashed into a ditch and continued to flee from officers. He eventually lost control of the vehicle after crashing into a guardrail.

When officers attempted to arrest him, Peake threatened them, grabbed his waistband and refused commands, but officers managed to take him into custody without using deadly force. Peake later claimed to have suffered multiple injuries and told officers he had taken drugs, prompting a medical examination.

Peake was charged with a total of 22 offenses, with the jury convicting him of 20 counts, including attempted aggravated murder, kidnapping and grievous bodily harm. The judge, citing Peake's past as a “repeated violent offender,” sentenced him to 50½ to 56 years in prison.

Scioto County Prosecutor Shane Tieman emphasized the seriousness of Peake's actions, saying, “His criminality endangered the lives of law enforcement, innocent bystanders and school children. “It is truly remarkable that no one was seriously injured or killed that day.”

This case highlights the extreme risks faced by law enforcement officers and the justice system's commitment to holding violent perpetrators accountable.