LINWOOD, PA — A 31-year-old man has been charged following an alleged impaired driving incident and pursuit in Lower Chichester Township.
According to the Lower Chichester Police Department, at approximately 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, Officer Burkert observed a red GMC Sierra pickup truck drive onto a sidewalk while making a right turn from East Ridge Road onto northbound Market Street.
Police stated that as the officer followed the vehicle, the driver allegedly spun the tires in what authorities described as an exhibition of speed in front of a marked patrol vehicle. The officer activated emergency lights and siren in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop, but police say the operator refused to stop and continued driving through multiple streets, swerving within the roadway.
According to police, the vehicle briefly stopped at Hutchinson Street and Summit Avenue before continuing. Authorities said the driver later stopped again at Summit Avenue and White Avenue, where he allegedly acknowledged the officer but continued driving before pulling into a parking lot in the 1400 block of Summit Avenue.
Police stated that once stopped, the driver allegedly failed to follow commands and repeatedly attempted to exit the vehicle. Officers said the individual, later identified as Emilio Santos, 31, became argumentative and at times refused to provide required documents. Police further allege that officers detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.
According to police, Santos allegedly continued to disregard instructions and was found to be carrying multiple sharp-edged weapons. Authorities said he was detained with the assistance of additional officers and was taken into custody.
Police stated that Santos refused field sobriety tests and chemical testing when requested.
Santos has been charged with DUI general impairment, resisting arrest, obedience to authorized persons, careless driving, reckless driving, illegal racing and driving on a sidewalk. The investigation remains ongoing.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.