According to court documents, Ezekiel Griffiths, 30, of Philadelphia, was charged by McAdoo Police with fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, reckless driving, fraudulent use of a registration plate, driving without insurance, driving while operating privileges were suspended or revoked, and several additional traffic-related offenses stemming from an incident on December 9, 2025.
Police state that while on patrol, an officer was traveling through the intersection of East Grant Street and North Kennedy Drive with a green traffic signal when a white Volkswagen allegedly entered the intersection against a solid red light. The officer activated emergency lights and siren, at which point the vehicle reportedly fled southbound before abruptly entering Interstate 81 South, briefly losing control before continuing northbound toward Hazleton.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the vehicle was driven in an “erratic and dangerous manner,” swerving through heavy traffic and placing both the officer and other motorists at risk. The pursuit ended near mile marker 138.9 on I-81, where the vehicle reportedly lost control again, sparked, and traveled off the roadway before coming to rest off the highway.
Police said three occupants exited the vehicle and were ordered to sit with their hands visible. The officer confirmed none appeared seriously injured and awaited backup. Multiple law enforcement units, including the Pennsylvania State Police, responded to the scene. Emergency Medical Services were dispatched, and a tow company was contacted. PSP advised they would complete the crash investigation due to the location.
One of the passengers, Charles Thomas, was taken into custody and, after being read his Miranda rights, identified Griffiths as the driver. Police reported that an open bottle of alcohol was visible inside the vehicle and that there was an odor of marijuana present.
Griffiths was also read his Miranda rights and invoked his right to remain silent. He was transported by EMS to Hazleton Hospital after vomiting and complaining of a headache.
At the police station, Thomas and another passenger, Skylese Griffiths, provided statements indicating they repeatedly told the driver to stop during the pursuit, but he refused. According to the affidavit, both passengers stated that Griffiths told them, “I’m from Philly, I can get over this,” and said they did not know why he refused to stop.
Griffiths is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli.