WALLINGFORD, PA — Police searched an area near Strath Haven High School on Monday morning after a driver allegedly fled a traffic stop in a stolen vehicle and later abandoned the car nearby, according to Nether Providence Township police.
A township officer stopped an Acura at approximately 9:07 a.m. Sept. 14 in the 700 block of South Providence Road after police said the vehicle was determined to have been reported stolen.
During the stop, the driver allegedly fled northbound on Providence Road in the Acura, according to police. The officer subsequently lost sight of the vehicle.
At approximately 9:41 a.m., a resident of the unit block of Hickory Lane reported finding a vehicle parked in the backyard of the property, police said. Responding officers identified it as the same Acura that had allegedly fled the earlier traffic stop.
Nether Providence Township officers, assisted by police from several surrounding jurisdictions, then searched the area for the driver, according to police.
Because the vehicle was recovered near Strath Haven High School, police said they coordinated with school officials to place Strath Haven High School, Strath Haven Middle School and Wallingford Elementary School in a “Teach in Place” status as a precaution.
Police said there was no indication during the incident of a threat or risk to students, school employees or the general public.
Investigators subsequently reviewed surveillance video that police said showed the person fleeing toward the rear of Strath Haven High School and later being picked up by another vehicle.
Police discontinued the search after determining the person had left the area, and school officials were notified that normal activities could resume.
The Nether Providence Township Police Department’s Detective Division is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or detectives at 610-892-2875.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.