According to an affidavit filed by Ryan Township Police, the incident occurred around 9:15 a.m. on January 22, 2026, while an officer was on patrol in the Delano area.
Police say a State Parole Officer contacted the officer about two individuals wearing hooded sweatshirts walking along State Road toward Bell Diamond Road. One of the individuals was identified as David A. Merenda Jr., 41, of Barnesville, who officers knew had active warrants through Schuylkill County Adult Probation and Ryan Township Police.
When officers located the pair, Merenda was advised he was under arrest. Court documents state he immediately told police he did not want to go back to jail and began moving away from the officer.
As the officer attempted to approach, Merenda allegedly ran across the street and headed north along State Road. A female companion remained nearby, forcing the officer to split attention between both individuals while leaving the patrol vehicle running in case a pursuit became necessary.
A short time later, the parole officer arrived and again ordered Merenda to stop. Police say Merenda refused and ran onto Hamilton Street, crossed railroad tracks, and fled into a wooded area behind Catalpa Grove, where officers lost sight of him.
Authorities later attempted to locate Merenda at his listed residence on Shady Lane but were unsuccessful.
On February 5, 2026, Merenda was charged by Ryan Township Police with evading arrest on foot.
Court documents also confirmed Merenda was already wanted on retail theft charges stemming from two earlier incidents in Ryan Township.