An Allentown man faces a felony charge after Pennsylvania State Police alleged that he led a trooper on a pursuit along Route 61 through Port Clinton, West Brunswick Township and Schuylkill Haven before stopping in North Manheim Township.
Felony Fleeing Charge Filed
Kevin Anthony Martinez, 31, is charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police, a third-degree felony. He also faces three summary traffic charges, including failing to stop at a red signal, according to a court docket filed on .
Route 61 Pursuit Begins in Berks County
According to an affidavit of probable cause, late Tuesday, troopers from Pennsylvania State Police at Embreeville were traveling north on Route 61 in an unmarked patrol vehicle in Tilden Township, Berks County, when a white BMW station wagon passed them near Wilderness Drive.
Troopers wrote that an automated license plate reader flagged the BMW’s registration as expired.
Police followed the vehicle into Port Clinton, where the patrol vehicle’s speedometer reportedly showed the BMW traveling at 71 mph in a 45 mph zone. The vehicle allegedly continued at that speed after the posted limit dropped to 35 mph.
The driver slowed but did not stop when police activated the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and siren, according to the affidavit.
Pursuit Continues Through Schuylkill County
In West Brunswick Township, troopers alleged that the BMW drove around their patrol vehicle as they attempted to slow it.
The pursuit continued through Schuylkill Haven, where the driver allegedly went through a red traffic signal at Route 61 and Pottsville Street.
Tire-Deflation Devices Deployed
Police deployed tire-deflation devices near Seven Stars Road, striking the BMW’s front and rear passenger-side tires, according to the affidavit.
Troopers wrote that they then saw a bag thrown from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The BMW continued for more than a mile before stopping along the 1200 block of Route 61 in North Manheim Township.
The driver and passenger exited the vehicle without further incident.
State police recovered the bag near Seven Stars Road and reported finding what the affidavit described as a large quantity of suspected marijuana inside the bag and nearby.
The affidavit does not identify who allegedly threw the bag, and Martinez’s court docket does not list a drug charge.
Bail and Preliminary Hearing
Martinez’s bail was set at $50,000. Court records listed him at Schuylkill County Prison after he was unable to post bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for , before Magisterial District Judge Casimir T. Kosciolek.
The charges are allegations. Martinez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.