According to an affidavit of probable cause, West Penn Township Police Officer John Kaczmarczyk was conducting traffic enforcement shortly after 10:30 p.m. on May 21, 2026, when he received a notification from his license plate reader regarding a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling south on State Route 309. The system indicated the vehicle's registration had been suspended.
Police confirmed the vehicle's registration had two separate suspensions, one related to unpaid turnpike tolls and another for insurance cancellation. After following the vehicle onto Route 443, Officer Kaczmarczyk activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Libby's Restaurant.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Blake A. Worhacz, of Williamstown, reportedly exited the vehicle and told police he did not have his driver's license, registration, or proof of insurance. Investigators later learned Worhacz's driver's license had been revoked and that he had two outstanding warrants, including a bench warrant connected to ignition interlock violations and an arrest warrant on felony charges involving possession with intent to deliver and burglary.
While the officer was speaking with a female passenger, police said Worhacz suddenly fled the scene on foot, running across Route 443 and into nearby yards before getting back into his Jeep and driving south on Route 309. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle.
Court records show criminal charges were filed against Worhacz on June 5, 2026. He is charged with felony flight to avoid apprehension, escape, fleeing or attempting to elude police, evading arrest on foot, driving with a suspended or revoked license, operating a vehicle with a suspended registration, operating without required financial responsibility, and failing to provide requested documents.
A preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Casimir Kosciolek has been scheduled for July 21, 2026.