WEST CHESTER, PA — Westtown-East Goshen Police Department has made an announcement that Jesse J. Hawkins Jr., 31, from Wilmington Delaware, has been arrested and charged with numerous offenses in relation to the theft of a catalytic converter that occurred at DML Automotive on March 15th, 2023.
Specifically, Hawkins is charged with Theft by unlawful taking, Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, Receiving stolen property, Driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance, Possession of a controlled substance, Possession of drug paraphernalia, Accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property and related traffic violations.
Police have reported that they had been dispatched to the scene shortly after 7:00 AM. The Westtown-East Goshen patrol officer quickly located the suspect’s vehicle after being provided with a description of it. However, when the officer attempted to pull them over, the driver refused, leading to a police chase. After gaining more information about the fleeing vehicle, the pursuing officer chose to terminate the pursuit in order to ensure safe and responsible conditions for everyone. The pursuit ended in the 1600 block of Wilmington Pike in Chadds Ford Township, Delaware County.
Shortly thereafter, the driver of the fleeing vehicle got into a minor crash with two uninvolved drivers within moments. Unfazed, the driver of the suspect car kept his foot on the pedal and barreled into another motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Routes 202 and 1, which incapacitated his vehicle altogether. Seeing no other option for escape, the operator tried his luck on foot only to be apprehended shortly thereafter by waiting police officers.
Fortunately, no one was injured due to these motor vehicle incidents. Once briefed on this situation, personnel from Troop K of the Pennsylvania State Police arrived on site to take charge of proceedings and assist in deciphering what had occurred.
Hawkins was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Martin Goch and has been remanded to Chester County Prison after failing to post $75,000.00 cash bail.
Information, a criminal complaint, or an arrest is not a declaration of guilt. A suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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