Three individuals were taken into custody Monday evening following a police chase in the city of Pottsville that ended with the discovery of a stolen vehicle and a large quantity of drugs.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, troopers were alerted to a black 2023 Acura Integra reported stolen and spotted traveling in the city on the evening of April 28th.
While patrolling, a trooper located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as Christopher Schoffstall, refused to pull over, initiating a vehicle pursuit through city streets. The chase ended when the Acura became disabled, prompting Schoffstall to flee on foot. He was quickly apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a black book bag containing a large quantity of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
Police identified the vehicle’s three occupants as 38-year-old Christopher Schoffstall, 45-year-old Kevin Carrington, and 28-year-old Courtney Schweikert, all of Pottsville. Schoffstall, who was behind the wheel, faces a long list of charges, including:
- Receiving Stolen Property (Felony 3)
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police (Felony 3)
- Evading Arrest or Detention on Foot (Misdemeanor 2)
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Controlled Substance
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Driving with a Suspended License (6th or Subsequent Offense)
- Multiple traffic violations, including Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and numerous violations related to stop signs and turning movements
Schoffstall was arraigned by an on-call Magisterial District Judge and committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of $100,000 straight cash bail.
Carrington and Schweikert were also taken into custody on active warrants.