PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP — A Maryland man is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Ranger, crashing his vehicle, and leading authorities on a search involving a helicopter at Swatara State Park last week.
According to court documents, Gabriel Neweris, of Elkton, Maryland, was charged by DCNR Rangers in connection with an incident that occurred on January 16, 2026, in the Swatara State Park area of Pine Grove Township.
A DCNR Ranger reported that at approximately 9:50 a.m., park maintenance staff observed a gray or silver Audi traveling at a high rate of speed on a closed trail in the northeastern portion of Swatara State Park. The trail, also known as Bear Hole Trail (Old State Road), is closed to public vehicle traffic.
The Ranger located the vehicle at the Swopes Valley Trailhead and attempted to conduct a traffic stop after observing the vehicle drive through grass and between trail barriers. Upon making contact, the ranger reported detecting a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle.
Court documents state that when the ranger requested identification, the driver refused to comply and then fled the scene in the vehicle at a high rate of speed onto Swopes Valley Road.
Shortly afterward, park personnel advised the Ranger that the vehicle had crashed into the woods approximately a half-mile from the attempted stop. Responding troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police located the crashed vehicle, which had fresh damage and evidence of leaving the roadway on a sharp curve.
The driver had fled the scene on foot. A search involving a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and multiple PSP barracks was launched. Authorities ultimately located and apprehended Neweris at approximately 12:00 p.m. in the area of Oak Grove Road and Old Forge Road, about 1.8 miles from the crash site.
During a preliminary sweep of the vehicle, troopers and DCNR rangers located a partially burnt marijuana cigarette and identified Neweris through an expired Texas identification card found inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to Motter’s Towing pending a search warrant.
Neweris was evaluated by Pine Grove Ambulance personnel for abrasions and sore muscles but refused hospital treatment. He later consented to a blood draw to test for controlled substances.
Neweris has been charged with the following offenses:
- DUI – Controlled Substance (1st Offense)
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police (Felony 3)
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Without a License
- Failure to Report an Accident to Police
Neweris was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli and committed to Schuylkill County Prison on $25,000 straight cash bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 29, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Christian Lengel.