Area man arrested in chase
A Belle Vernon man was arrested by Carroll Township police after leading officers from that department and several others on a chase late Monday and early Tuesday.
Police were monitoring traffic on Route 837 at Route 88 just before midnight Monday when they spotted a car being driven by Matthew James Price, 22, of 201 Dubrovich St., with no muffler and tinted windows.
Police pulled out and tried to follow the vehicle as it approached Coyle Curtain Road, when it turned right. Police said the car was going about 65 mph in a 40 mph zone.
Police attempted to stop the car, but Price then sped up as he approached Toll 43. When he tried to turn right onto the toll road, he crashed into a hillside. He pulled back onto Coyle Curtain before turning onto southbound Toll 43 and reportedly increasing his speed to 110 mph. The officer could see sparks coming from under Price’s car. Police kept about a quarter-mile between their cruiser and his car.
Price then turned onto Interstate 70 west, where sparks coming from the rim increased. He reportedly increased his speed to about 95 mph. Police continued to maintain a distance, watching as the car started to shake heavily as it passed tractor-trailers.
Price got off the highway at the Ginger Hill exit, turning on Meadow Drive to Pittsburgh Road (Route 917). Police could see him throw a plastic bag from the vehicle. When he attempted to make a left turn on the disintegrated wheel, the car came to rest on a concrete barrier.
Police said Price then got out of the car and ran across the bridge that goes across the interstate. Carroll police Officer Michael Parry gave chase and he was taken into custody after running onto the shoulder of Interstate 70.
Police said Price admitted the bag thrown from the car contained marijuana. Carroll police were assisted by Centerville and state police.
Price was arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward on charges of flight to avoid apprehension, fleeing or attempting to elude police, hindering apprehension, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, possession of marijuana, scattering rubbish and several traffic violations. He was placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16.