Two people in custody after fleeing from Mt. Pleasant police
Two people, including one wanted on a federal parole warrant, were arrested after they reportedly fled from Mt. Pleasant Township police Friday night.
Township police Officer Ronald Catrain spotted a van on Meriage Street and noticed Ronald Thomas Masko, 56, of 1107 Robinson Highway, McDonald, was a passenger. Catrain said he knew Masko was wanted on two felony warrants including one on charges filed by McDonald police as well as the federal warrant.
Catrain said the van’s driver, Tracy Lynn Darnley, 44, of 1106 Candor Road, Bulger, made a right turn onto Noblestown Road. Catrain along with Mt. Pleasant Officer Amanda Brewer, McDonald Officer Richard France and Cecil Township Officer Steven McKain were in a parking lot at Noblestown and Johns Avenue.
Catrain got behind the van and attempted to stop it, activating emergency lights and sirens. Police said Darnley continued on Johns without stopping. She tried to cut across a parking lot at Route 980 but was blocked in by McDonald Officer William Nimal.
While removing Darnley from the van, police spotted a scale that appeared to have crack residue on it. Police said they also found more paraphernalia as well as bags of suspected crack and marijuana. On Masko, police found three cellphones and $749.
Masko was wanted on a warrant obtained by McDonald police on charges of possession with intent to deliver crack, possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, tampering with evidence and traffic violations including driving an all-terrain vehicle on a road stemming from a Jan. 24 incident. Masko reportedly was seen driving the vehicle on Bluff Street. Police also were told Masko had a gun and would shoot police. When they searched him for a weapon, officers found the suspected drugs. Police also found suspected crack in the cell where Masko had been lodged.
Darnley was charged by township police with hindering apprehension, fleeing or eluding police, possession and possession with intent to deliver and possession of paraphernalia. Township police also plan on filing drug charges against Masko at a later date.
Both were arraigned before District Judge Jesse Pettit and each placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. Masko is also in jail on the federal warrant. The two are scheduled for a March 15 preliminary hearing before District Judge Traci McDonald.