PORTER TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A New Bethlehem man is accused of fleeing police at a high rate of speed during an attempted traffic stop in Porter Township, Clarion County.
According to court documents, Clarion-based State Police filed criminal charges against 53-year-old David M. Taylor, of New Bethlehem.
According to a criminal complaint, on November 27, a PSP Clarion marked patrol unit was sitting stationary along State Route 66, approximately 3/10 mile south of Reed Lane running radar. Around 1:05 a.m., a silver sedan passed at 79 mph in a posted 55 mph zone heading south.
The complaint states that the police unit pulled onto Route 66 after the silver car began to increase its speed. Police caught up to the car on Wood Street in New Bethlehem and activated emergency lights and siren.
The silver car then passed two vehicles while traveling at a high rate of speed. The silver car then turned onto State Route 861 heading west. The driver of the car then turned off the car’s lights to avoid detection. While traveling at a high rate of speed, the car attempted to make a right turn onto Dons Road. It failed to negotiate the turn and went off the west side of the roadway into the ditch, the complaint continues.
Troopers immediately exited the patrol unit and apprehended the driver — David Michael Taylor — who was operating the silver 2013 Hyundai Elantra, the complaint states.
A strong odor of alcohol was allegedly emanating from Taylor. He was then transported to Clarion Hospital for a blood draw, according to the complaint.
At 3:35 a.m. on November 27, Taylor was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller on the following charges:
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Officer, Felony 3
- DUI: General Impairment/Incompetent of Driving Safely — 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- DUI: High Rate of Alcohol (Bac.10 — .16) 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- Failure To Keep Right, Summary
- Pass When Prohibited, Summary
- Disregard Traffic Lane (Single), Summary
- Turning Movements And Required Signals, Summary
- Driving at Safe Speed, Summary
- Exceed 55 MPH In Other Loc By 24 MPH, Summary
- Careless Driving, Summary
- Driving W/O Light To Avoid Identification, Arrest, Summary
- Reckless Driving, Summary
- Violate Hazard Regulation, Summary
- Failure to Use Safety Belt — Driver And Front Seat Occupant, Summary
- Restrictions on Alcoholic Beverages, Summary
Unable to post $10,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Clarion County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on January 24 with Judge Miller presiding.
