According to the Pottsville Police Department, officers on patrol on January 6, 2026, observed an e-bike traveling on York Farm Road without rear lighting as it entered the JFK Pool parking lot, which is closed after 10 p.m.
Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the e-bike, which was operated by Joseph Lukach, 40, of Pottsville. Officers activated emergency lights and issued commands over the public address system, followed by a siren, but Lukach reportedly failed to stop.
Police say Lukach continued west on the JFK walking trail before making a hard right turn at a side entrance near the intersection of Woodglen Road and Yorktown Road. He then turned left onto Woodglen Road, where officers ultimately stopped him in the 2100 block and took him into custody.
While in custody, Lukach allegedly admitted to having “meth.” Police located a baggie containing a crystal-like substance, which was field tested and returned a positive result for methamphetamine.
As a result of the incident, Lukach has been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (M), Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (M2), Criminal Trespass (S), General Lighting Requirements (S), and Periods for Requiring Lighted Lamps (S). Charges were filed with MDJ Reiley.
All charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.