An Auburn man faces felony fleeing and eluding and other charges after authorities say he backed a side-by-side into an occupied DCNR patrol vehicle before fleeing through Weiser State Forest.
Anthony Alfred Rizzuto, 51, was charged October 26, 2026, in connection with the August 29 incident along Black Road Trail in the Catawissa Recreation Area in East Union Township.
DCNR Rangers Investigate Unauthorized ATV Activity
According to an affidavit filed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, two rangers were patrolling for unauthorized ATV activity when a department trail camera captured several side-by-sides traveling through an area not designated for motorized use.
The uniformed rangers positioned their department side-by-side along Black Road Trail to intercept the group. Shortly after 7 p.m., the vehicles approached.
The ranger wrote that the first side-by-side stopped briefly, turned around and began fleeing. He activated the patrol vehicle’s emergency lights, waved his arms and shouted commands as other drivers attempted to turn around on the narrow trail.
Authorities Say Side-by-Side Struck Patrol Vehicle
Authorities allege a green-and-black side-by-side, later identified by members of the group as being operated by Rizzuto, accelerated in reverse and struck the front passenger-side corner of the patrol vehicle while both rangers were inside.
The driver then accelerated forward at a high rate of speed, shouting for others to turn around and move out of the way, according to the affidavit.
Rangers stopped five vehicles, while an estimated three or four others escaped.
Two hikers who had passed the rangers shortly before the encounter later told them they stepped off the trail after hearing the commotion.
According to the affidavit, the hikers reported that several side-by-sides came “flying” down the trail. They said they believed they would have been forced off the path had they remained there.
Riders Identify Driver During Investigation
During interviews with the riders who remained, a passenger identified Rizzuto as the driver who struck the patrol vehicle. Another rider confirmed that identification and provided contact information for him, according to the affidavit.
Rangers issued the operators who remained two citations each for operating ATVs on state forest property and riding without helmets. Passengers were not charged.
Charges Filed Against Rizzuto
Rizzuto faces the following charges:
- Fleeing or attempting to elude an officer: One count, a third-degree felony.
- Recklessly endangering another person: Four counts, second-degree misdemeanors.
- Reckless driving: A summary offense.
- Vehicle operation to avoid identification or inspection: A summary offense.
- Operating an ATV on state property: A summary offense.
- Careless ATV operation: A summary offense.
The case was filed before Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah.
All charges are allegations. Rizzuto is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.