According to Pottsville Police, on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, just before 12:30am, officers were patrolling on Laurel Blvd, and their license plate reader showed an expired tag on a red Dodge Journey.
A traffic stop was conducted on Norway Street where the New York tag displayed on the vehicle ended up not being the correct registration.
Officers stated to the driver that he was stopped because his registration was showing expired. The driver also backed into a vehicle at the time of the vehicle stop.
Officers stated to the driver that he was stopped because his registration was showing expired. The driver also backed into a vehicle at the time of the vehicle stop.
The driver, later identified as Jerome Johnson, 52, of Long Island City, NY, was asked for his license, registration, and proof of insurance. Johnson reportedly opened the glove box, and appeared to be looking for documents, then fled the scene at a high rate of speed towards North 3rd Street.
While at the intersection of Norway Street and North 3rd Street, the driver intentionally drove through a fence into a yard. The vehicle became disabled in the yard in the area of Dunn Street.
While at the intersection of Norway Street and North 3rd Street, the driver intentionally drove through a fence into a yard. The vehicle became disabled in the yard in the area of Dunn Street.
The driver then got out of the car and started to run on foot. Johnson was ordered several times to stop. He then continued fleeing while jumping fences and made his way onto Dunn Street. He eventually ran to the area of Harrison Street behind the Schuylkill County Prison. The driver then turned into a small breezeway before getting stuck between the buildings.
Johnson was ordered to come out, which he did at his own leisure. While he was getting to the ground, he quickly made a motion to his front pocket in an attempt to grab something. This action resulted in a Taser deployment. While on the ground, the driver resisted arrest and did not follow orders.
While searching Johnson incident to arrest, he had numerous products containing marijuana. During a search of the vehicle officers discovered more marijuana related items, both containing marijuana and empty containers. Officers also discovered a corona six pack containing only one beer.
Johnson was ordered to come out, which he did at his own leisure. While he was getting to the ground, he quickly made a motion to his front pocket in an attempt to grab something. This action resulted in a Taser deployment. While on the ground, the driver resisted arrest and did not follow orders.
While searching Johnson incident to arrest, he had numerous products containing marijuana. During a search of the vehicle officers discovered more marijuana related items, both containing marijuana and empty containers. Officers also discovered a corona six pack containing only one beer.
Inside the trunk area was a Pennsylvania Registration Plate, that was later determined to be the correct plate for this vehicle and was also currently valid.
During questioning, Johnson admitted to putting the incorrect registration plate on the vehicle. He stated he found that plate and put it on because he thought his friend was going to report the car stolen. He also stated he knew I had conducted a traffic stop and he knowingly fled from it. It was also discovered that Johnson has an Interlock Device Restriction on his driver’s license and the vehicle involved in this incident did not have one.
During questioning, Johnson admitted to putting the incorrect registration plate on the vehicle. He stated he found that plate and put it on because he thought his friend was going to report the car stolen. He also stated he knew I had conducted a traffic stop and he knowingly fled from it. It was also discovered that Johnson has an Interlock Device Restriction on his driver’s license and the vehicle involved in this incident did not have one.
Johnson was charged with Fleeing to Avoid Apprehension (F3), Resisting Arrest (M2) , Evading Arrest or Detention on Foot (M2), Driving Under the Influence: General Impairment (M), Operating Vehicle Without Alcohol Interlock Device (M), Fraudulent Use of a Registration Plate (S), Possession of a Small Amount of Marijuana (M), Accidents involving Damage to Unattended Vehicles (S), Criminal Mischief (S), and Roadways Laned for Travel (S).
Johnson was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge James Reiley and locked up in Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of 25,000.00 10% bail.