According to court documents, Schuylkill Haven Police were conducting patrol in the 300 block of Center Avenue around 10:20 p.m. on July 17 when they observed a silver Nissan Maxima traveling south with dark window tint and a non-functioning license plate light that prevented the registration plate from being read.
Police said the officer pulled behind the vehicle and activated his emergency lights and siren before the intersection of Berger Street. Rather than stopping immediately, the driver continued south on Route 61 before turning onto East Main Street and then onto West Penn Street. The vehicle eventually pulled into a rear parking lot behind the Little Dipper Ice Cream Shop in the 100 block of East Main Street.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the driver, identified as Gary Jerome Thompson, immediately exited the vehicle and ignored repeated commands to remain inside. Police said Thompson then fled on foot.
The officer reported catching up to Thompson and attempting to take him into custody. After Thompson allegedly continued to resist, the officer deployed a Taser. Both probes struck Thompson, causing neuromuscular incapacitation and allowing officers to bring him under control. Police said Thompson initially refused commands to place his hands behind his back before eventually complying.
Emergency medical personnel responded to evaluate Thompson after officers reported he had an elevated heart rate. He was later transported to Lehigh Valley East (Pottsville) for further evaluation before being cleared. Police then advised Thompson of his Miranda rights, and he agreed to speak with investigators.
During questioning, Thompson allegedly told police he knew officers were attempting to stop him but did not want to turn himself in because he believed Schuylkill Haven police were "looking for him." He also reportedly told investigators he needed to continue working to afford a private attorney to fight his case and stated he had recently been released from state prison and did not want to return.
Police confirmed Thompson was wanted on two active warrants from Bucks County, including a parole violation warrant with an underlying felony strangulation offense and a warrant related to failing to verify his address as required under Pennsylvania's sex offender registration law, according to the affidavit.
Investigators also determined through PennDOT records that Thompson was operating the vehicle while his driver's license was suspended.
Thompson, 48, was charged with two counts of resisting arrest, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and driving while his operating privilege was suspended or revoked. He was arraigned July 18 before on-call Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, who set bail at $50,000. Thompson was unable to post bail and remains incarcerated in Schuylkill County Prison awaiting further proceedings.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4 before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.