A Pottsville man faces felony charges after police allege he fled an attempted traffic stop on a gas-powered minibike Sunday night, drove toward oncoming traffic and nearly struck an officer before crashing into a dumpster.
Minibike Pursuit Begins on South Centre Street
A Pottsville police officer spotted a gas-powered minibike without a registration plate traveling on the sidewalk in the 300 block of South Centre Street at approximately 9:16 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2026, according to police.
When the officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the rider allegedly accelerated, drove off the sidewalk and continued south on Centre Street.
Police said the rider turned left onto Mauch Chunk Street before turning onto Claude A. Lord Boulevard, also known as Route 61. The rider allegedly failed to stop at a red light and traveled south on the left side of Route 61 toward oncoming traffic.
Pursuit Ends With Dumpster Crash
The rider entered the Schuylkill Medical Plaza parking lot and drove around the rehabilitation center, where he nearly struck a Saint Clair police officer with the minibike, according to police.
The minibike then crashed into a dumpster. Police identified the rider as Sean Douglas Varner, 34, of Pottsville.
Police allege Varner attempted to flee on foot after the crash. An officer deployed a Taser, and Varner was taken into custody.
Felony and Traffic Charges Filed
Varner was charged with the following offenses:
- Aggravated assault by physical menace of a police officer
- Fleeing or attempting to elude police
- Recklessly endangering another person
He also faces traffic violations involving:
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle insurance
- Driving on the right side of the roadway
- Stopping at a red traffic signal
Bail Set at $50,000
Varner was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Kilker, who set bail at $50,000 straight. He was committed to Schuylkill County Prison.
The charges are allegations. Varner is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.