Allentown Man Steals Vehicle in Schuylkill County and Leads Police in Pursuit into the Lehigh Valley

An Allentown man is facing multiple charges after he stole a car in Pottsville on Wednesday and led police in a pursuit across 3 counties.

According to Pottsville Chief of Police, Richard Wojciechowsky, on Wednesday, January 19th, 2022 around 8:19am, Pottsville Police were dispatched to the 300 block of West Race Street for a motor vehicle theft that had just occurred. 

It was learned that a Pottsville woman had left a Chevrolet Equinox unattended with the ignition on, in front of her residence before realizing someone was driving away in it westbound on West Race Street.

The vehicle was observed traveling south on Route 61 shortly thereafter and Schuylkill Haven Police began a vehicle pursuit southbound on Route 61. The pursuit which included multiple municipal police agencies as well as Pa State Police continued south on Route 61 into Berks County then east on Interstate 78.

At approximately 8:57am, the pursuit ended on Route 222, west of Brookside Road at North Krocks Road in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County after several PSP vehicles were damaged by the driver of the stolen vehicle.

Allah Supreme Hayes, 23, of Allentown was taken into custody by State Police and arrested on charges for Receiving Stolen Property, Aggravated Assault by Vehicle, Simple Assault, Accidents Involving Occupied Vehicles, Fleeing and Eluding, Recklessly Endangering Another Person(s), DUI and multiple related vehicle code charges. 

Hayes was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli who set bail at $100,000. 

Hayes was unable to post bail and was remanded to the Schuylkill County Prison.

Hayes admitted to police that he "took" the car from Pottsville. Video surveillance also confirmed Hayes was the only suspect involved in the original motor vehicle theft. 

Hayes was charged by Pottsville Police Cpl. Renee Truscott with Felony Theft of a Motor Vehicle and will be arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Reiley in the near future on that charge.

A day prior to this vehicle theft, Pottsville Police were warning city residents about letting their vehicles running unattended.