According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton, on Sunday, August 23rd, at 3:25 AM, Troopers on Patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop for multiple traffic violations on Poplar Street, Hazleton City, Luzerne County.
The vehicle failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, the fleeing vehicle committed multiple traffic violations. The fleeing vehicle got stuck on a curb in Banks Township, at which point Troopers converged on the vehicle. The operator then put the vehicle in reverse and struck a marked State Police Vehicle, then back into drive and struck another marked state police vehicle, nearly striking Troopers who were out of their vehicles. The vehicle again fled but was stopped shortly after when Troopers utilized a Precision Immobilization Technique, bring the vehicle to a controlled stop. The Operator was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.
The operator, Brandon Van Blargan, 28, of Drums, was charged with DUI, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Harassment, Possession With Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and numerous traffic violations. A passenger in the vehicle was also taken into custody for an outstanding warrant.
The vehicle pursuit spanned five Municipalities, two Counties, and lasted approximately 23 minutes. The Operator also struck a garage, one roadway sign and one parked vehicle.
The operator, Brandon Van Blargan, 28, of Drums, was charged with DUI, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Harassment, Possession With Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and numerous traffic violations. A passenger in the vehicle was also taken into custody for an outstanding warrant.
The vehicle pursuit spanned five Municipalities, two Counties, and lasted approximately 23 minutes. The Operator also struck a garage, one roadway sign and one parked vehicle.
No Troopers were injured during this incident. Charges filed at the Honorable Magisterial District Judge Zola.