Fugitive arrested while making plans for funeral
Mary Kohn talks to reporters Wednesday after her husband, Jerry, was released from the Washington County jail to attend his mother’s funeral after he was jailed for failing to show up for hearings on several alleged traffic offenses. Mary Kohn’s mother, Betty Getz, listens in the background.
Kohn
A fugitive arrested on an outstanding bench warrant while making arrangements after his mother’s death was released from the Washington County jail so he can attend her funeral.
Jerry Kohn, 53, of Donegal Township, was driving in Canonsburg Tuesday morning without a license and with expired registration when borough police stopped him and learned he was wanted on a bench warrant from July 2011, when he didn’t show for a court appearance.
Kohn, who was in the process of making funeral arrangements and picking out a casket for his mother after she died Sunday, was given an expedited hearing in the matter Wednesday and released from jail by Washington County Court Judge Katherine Emery.
However, he also is wanted in Allegheny County for his failure to appear for court proceedings there two years ago.
His family praised his release here but were worried Allegheny County sheriff’s deputies would be en route to arrest him before he could attend his mother’s funeral Thursday afternoon.
“We’ve been trying to deal with it,” said his wife, Mary. “We’re running from nothing.”
Jerry Kohn said he was unaware of the traffic offenses in both counties and that the summonses were mailed to a wrong address. According to Emery’s order, he was to be immediately released from Washington County Jail on his own recognizance and is not permitted to drive while he awaits his next court appearance June 25.
It could not be determined if Allegheny County authorities had arrested him Wednesday.
Canonsburg police said they plan to charge him with driving without a license, driving without proper registration and failing to have his car inspected.