A Gordon teen is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase through several Schuylkill County communities Tuesday night.
According to Shenandoah Borough Police, the incident began on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, around 9:35 p.m., when Officer Mark Hysock was monitoring traffic from the Gold Star Beverage parking lot along the Gold Star Highway (SR 924).
Police say the officer observed a dark-colored Jeep traveling southbound without headlights and without a registration plate. When the officer attempted to pull out to initiate a traffic stop, the Jeep accelerated, reaching speeds of over 90 miles per hour.
The pursuit continued as the Jeep turned onto a coal company dirt road near the Gold Star Plaza, eventually traveling through Gilberton and onto coal company property before heading east toward Mahanoy City. Due to dust and terrain, the Shenandoah officer temporarily lost sight of the vehicle.
Frackville Borough Police, familiar with the area’s coal roads, positioned themselves on East High Street in Frackville and spotted the Jeep emerging from the woods. Officers were able to stop the vehicle, and the driver was taken into custody without incident.
The driver was identified as Gage Rinker, 19, of Gordon. Police say Rinker expressed regret and apologized, telling officers he fled because the Jeep lacked a license plate. Rinker allegedly told police he had purchased the Jeep as an off-road vehicle but never transferred the title.
A records check revealed Rinker only possessed a photo ID and not a valid driver’s license. Police also noted the Jeep’s inspection sticker had been expired since 2022.
Rinker was charged with:
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude an Officer (F3)
- No Headlights (S)
- Operating a Vehicle Without a Valid Inspection (S)
- Driving Without a License (S)