According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Shenandoah Borough Police, the incident occurred on March 10, 2026, while an officer was conducting routine traffic enforcement near the Unity Café along the 400 block of East Centre Street.
At approximately 1:45 p.m., police observed a dark-colored Nissan bearing a Massachusetts registration traveling westbound on Centre Street. The driver turned onto North Bridge Street and parked. A records check revealed the registered owner, identified as Shawn Allen Jessman, 33, of Ringtown, had an active bench warrant issued by the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office for failure to appear.
When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Jessman allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Police said he ran eastbound on East Mount Vernon Street before eventually turning south, running through Julian’s Car Wash, and crossing East Centre and East New York streets.
During the pursuit, Jessman reportedly entered a stream of water before continuing toward Herald Road. Police deployed a Taser while he was in the water, but it was ineffective.
Authorities say the chase continued onto a residential property, where damage was caused to a gate. Officers, along with assisting units, established a perimeter near a junkyard on Herald Road. Jessman was ultimately located hiding under an abandoned tractor trailer and taken into custody without further incident.
He was later transported to Schuylkill County Prison for the active bench warrant.
Further investigation revealed the vehicle Jessman had been operating was unregistered, with its registration having expired on December 31, 2025. Police also determined the vehicle’s registration had been suspended due to an insurance cancellation effective February 27, 2026.
Jessman has been charged with:
- Flight to Avoid Apprehension, Trial, or Punishment (M2)
- Driving an Unregistered Vehicle (Summary)
- Vehicle Registration Suspended (Summary)
- Required Financial Responsibility (Summary)
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker.