A Philadelphia man allegedly fled a traffic stop in Schuylkill County, drove erratically on Interstate 81, and crashed near Hazleton.
Police in McAdoo say the incident began around 8 p.m. on Dec. 9 at the intersection of E. Grant and N. Kennedy streets. As police were traveling through the intersection with a green light, a white Volkswagen ran the red light and came into the intersection.
When the officer activated emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle allegedly fled southbound. Police say the driver – identified as Ezekiel Griffiths, 31, previously of Miami Gardens, Florida, and now living in Philadelphia – abruptly turned onto I-81 South, briefly lost control, and then entered I-81 North toward Hazleton.
Police say Griffiths’ driving was “erratic and dangerous,” alleging the vehicle swerved through heavy traffic and placed the pursuing officer and numerous other motorists at risk.
Near Mile Marker 138.9, the vehicle lost control again, sparked, and traveled off the roadway, coming to rest off the highway. Three occupants exited the vehicle and were ordered to sit with their hands visible.
Multiple police units, including State Police, arrived on the scene.
Police took a passenger into custody. After being read his rights, Thomas identified the driver as Griffiths.
Investigators allege an open alcohol bottle was in plain view inside the vehicle and the smell of marijuana was present.
The passengers reportedly told police they repeatedly told Griffiths to stop, but he refused. They alleged Griffiths said, “I’m from Philly, I can get over this.”
Both passengers told police they did not know why Griffiths refused to stop.
Griffiths invoked his right to remain silent at the scene. He was transported by EMS to Hazleton Hospital due to vomiting and complaints of a headache.
Police have filed numerous charges against Griffiths, including fleeing an officer and two counts of accidents involving damage to a vehicle or property. Numerous traffic citations were also filed against him.
A preliminary hearing and arraignment have not been scheduled, according to court records.
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