On Wednesday, a man led police in a high speed chase while under the influence.According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Jonestown, on Tuesday, around 2:15pm, the Troop L ProActive Criminal Enforcement team was on patrol in the Pine Grove area when a man was observed operating a motor vehicle on Tremont Road, Pine Grove Twp. with an expired registration that was assigned to another vehicle.
Troopers activated their emergency lights and sirens and the driver attempted to flee east on Sweet Arrow Lake Road at a high rate of speed.
A pursuit began with the driver travelling at speeds in excess of 80mph on Sweet Arrow Lake Road, then to Waterfall Road, then to Pleasant Valley Road, then to Frantz Road, and to Flat Hill Road.
The pursuit continued to Wild Cherry Road where the driver lost control and crashed into a tree.
The driver, identified as Michael Keefer, 57, of Schuylkill Haven was taken into custody without incident.
Keefer told police that he fled due to to having an active felony bench warrant for aggravated assault.
Keefer was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine and also told police he used the drug prior to driving.
He was then transported to an area hospital for evaluation and later transported to Schuylkill County Prison for the active warrant.
On Thursday, Keefer was charged with Flight to Avoid Apprehension, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possess of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Resisting Arrest, and numerous traffic violations.
Keefer was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Rossi and locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $50,000 monetary bail.
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