An Ashland man is facing charges after he tried to flee a traffic stop in Mahanoy Township last month.
According to court papers filed by the Pennsylvania State Police, on Saturday, November 25th, 2023, around 12:15am, Trooper Skripko of the Frackville Barracks initiated a traffic stop in the area of 105 Vulcan Hill Road in Mahanoy Township, outside Mahanoy City, on a Subaru Legacy, driven by Craig Fisher, 24, of Ashland.
During the traffic stop, Fisher informed the Trooper that he didn't have a driver's license. A PennDOT check of his information showed his license had been suspended since 2021.
As Trooper Skripko was in his vehicle running the information, Fisher exited his vehicle and ran across the highway into the woods.
Trooper Skripko followed and ordered Fisher to exit the woods, and he complied. Fisher told the Trooper that he fled because he believed he had a warrant for a probation violation. He also said he had methamphetamine in his back pocket.
A search of Fisher led to the finding of a small plastic bag containing a solid crystal-like substance suspected as being methamphetamine and four THC oil cartridges.
Fisher was transported to the Frackville barracks, processed, and released.
On December 3rd, 2023, State Police filed charges of evading arrest, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.
He will answer to those charges during a preliminary hearing on January 4th, 2023, before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker, Shenandoah.