A pursuit through Pine Grove Township last week ended with the arrest of a suicidal man who had kidnapped a young woman.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, around 2:40pm, Troopers were dispatched to the McDonald's on Suedberg Road in Pine Grove Township for a 302 involuntary commitment involving a suicidal male with a pistol, identified as Andrews Rivera, 49, of Coaldale.
Prior to police arriving, a 21-year-old female was made to enter Rivera's vehicle. While in the victim was in the vehicle, she was able to communicate with a friend via text messages that Rivera made her get into his truck and she didn't feel safe.
The victim said Rivera made statements that he would be better off dead, had a 9mm pistol, and wanted to die by "suicide by cop".
The victim convinced Rivera to drop her off at the Pilot Gas Station on Suedberg Road. Troopers were just arriving and saw his vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop.
Rivera fled at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued.
During the pursuit, Rivera made numerous traffic violations including passing a school bus which had its yellow lights activated.
A PIT maneuver was attempted causing Rivera to come to a stop. Rivera reversed and fled again, until spike strips were used immobilizing his vehicle. Rivera travelled back to McDonald's with the flat tire, exited his vehicle, then stole the victim's vehicle from the parking lot, leading to a 2nd pursuit.
The pursuit would end in a crash in the area of Oak Road and Trumbo Road in Pine Grove Township.
After the crash, Rivera would exit the vehicle turning the gun on himself, yelling at the police to kill him.
The Pennsylvania State Police at the scene would negotiate Rivera to surrender and were able to take him into custody.
Rivera was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.
State Police filed charges of kidnapping, unlawful restraint, recklessly endangering another person, theft of a motor vehicle, and fleeing or attempting to elude police through Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi's office.
Arraignment will take place once Rivera is released from the hospital.