REDBANK TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A Strattanville man is facing multiple charges following a police pursuit in Redbank Township, Clarion County.
According to a criminal complaint, around 12:16 p.m. on March 8, troopers from Clarion-based State Police were in a marked patrol car on Dewey Road, in Redbank Township. Radar was being conducted on traffic traveling on State Route 28, when a white Ford Super Duty pickup truck was observed traveling northbound at 74 MPH in a posted 55 MPH zone. PSP Clarion activated the emergency lights and siren, and the violator failed to yield. The patrol vehicle continued northbound on Route 28 at a high rate of speed, between 75 MPH and 100 MPH.
The complaint states that the violator turned left onto Sandy Flat Road, continuing to travel at a high rate of speed, then turned right on Davis Hill Road, and right again onto Toadtown Road, and then right onto Route 28.
The complaint indicates that speeds ranged between 85 MPH and 100 MPH during the pursuit. The pursuit ended when the violator turned into a known bar and put the vehicle in park. The driver was identified as 32-year-old Houston Jennings Hatcher, of Strattanville.
As Hatcher exited the vehicle, an odor of marijuana was detected. Hatcher was placed under arrest and a search of the vehicle was conducted, according to the complaint.
Inside the vehicle, a grinder in the driver’s side door with remnants of a green substance and an Altoid container with remnants of the green substance were discovered, the complaint continues.
Hatcher stated that “he had smoked marijuana recently and probably had it in his blood,” the complaint states.
A blood draw was performed at the Clarion Hospital.
Based on the investigation, Hatcher was arraigned at 3:50 p.m. on March 8 in front of Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller on the following charges:
– Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Officer. Felony 3
– Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
– DUI: Controlled Substance — Schedule 1 — 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
– Driving W/O A License, Summary
– Exceed 55 MPH In Other Loc By 19 MPH, Summary
– Careless Driving, Summary
– Reckless Driving, Summary
Unable to post $25,000.00 monetary bail, Hatcher was lodged in the Clarion County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 11 with Judge Miller presiding.
