REF: UAP/1960s/086Contested
1966-04-17

Portage County police chase

Ohio to Pennsylvania · USA·Police pursuit·1960s
Contested
§ ASummary

Deputies Spaur & Neff chased a large glowing object 85 miles into PA, joined by other officers; Blue Book's 'satellite/Venus' verdict drew congressional criticism.

§ BWitnesses

Dep. Dale Spaur, W. Neff, Ofc. Wayne Huston, Frank Panzanella

§ CEvidence & Documentation

Multi-officer statements; radio logs

§ DOfficial Investigation

Project Blue Book (verdict disputed by Hynek & officers)

§ EStatus Assessment

Contested; officers' lives upended; inspiration for 'Close Encounters' opening

§ FVerifiable Sources

Blue Book file; Clark, 'UFO Encyclopedia'; Weitzel letter record