A 30-year-old homeless man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he fled in a stolen vehicle through several Schuylkill County communities before crashing into a Pennsylvania State Police vehicle and struggling with officers during his arrest.
According to court documents and an affidavit of probable cause, Frackville Police were dispatched around 5:41 p.m. Thursday to 21 South Lehigh Avenue for a report of a stolen vehicle. The owner told police he had left the keys to his 2011 tan Chevrolet Malibu inside while he entered a skill game room and returned a short time later to find the car missing.
Police entered the vehicle into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database and later received a report that the stolen car had been spotted in the parking lot of Turkey Hill in Frackville.
As officers arrived, they observed the vehicle leaving the area and stopping at the traffic light at Oak and Lehigh streets. Police identified the driver as Michael Dower, who they said was known to them from previous incidents.
When officers attempted a felony traffic stop, Dower allegedly fled, leading police on a chase west on Oak Street before continuing onto Fountain Street. Authorities said the vehicle reached speeds of approximately 70 mph and traveled past several vehicles.
Near the intersection of Fountain and Broad streets in Fountain Springs, a Pennsylvania State Police vehicle moved in front of Dower in an attempt to block the roadway. Police said Dower struck the state police vehicle.
Following the crash, officers from Butler Township, Shenandoah, West Mahanoy Township and Ashland removed Dower from the vehicle. Investigators allege he resisted arrest by holding himself inside the car and then physically fought with officers, including attempting to headbutt them while keeping his hands underneath him and refusing commands.
Police said Dower appeared incoherent during his time in custody and, based on his behavior and driving, believed he was under the influence of narcotics.
A records check also revealed that Dower's driver's license was suspended and that he had a prior conviction for driving while suspended.
Dower was charged with aggravated assault, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude police, DUI, resisting arrest, simple assault, driving while suspended and careless driving.
Court records show Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli set bail at $100,000 cash. Unable to post bail, Dower was committed to Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 24.