A Schuylkill County man wanted on parole violations was taken into police custody on March 8 after a foot pursuit that ended with an officer and the suspect falling down a nine-foot embankment.
Police in Pottsville report that shortly before 10:30 p.m., an officer on routine patrol in the 700 block of E. Norwegian St. observed Keith Wykle, 37, of Pottsville, step into the road. The officer recognized Wykle from previous interactions and knew he had an active arrest warrant for parole violations.
Upon seeing the patrol vehicle, Wykle turned and began to walk away, police say. The officer activated the vehicle’s emergency lights, exited, and announced, “Police, Stop!”
Wykle then fled on foot. The pursuit continued south down Tremont Alley and through a wooded area between Tremont Alley and Snyder St. Police say the officer continued to command Wykle to stop. During the chase through the woods, Wykle fell over a downed tree but regained his footing and continued running.
As the pursuit reached the edge of the woods, which ended abruptly at a nine-foot embankment leading down to a driveway on the north side of Snyder St., the officer caught up to the suspect. Police say Wykle attempted to stop at the top of the embankment, causing the officer to collide into his back. The impact propelled both of them down the embankment and into the gravel driveway.
Once in the driveway, Wykle continued to resist arrest while underneath the officer, police report. The officer used control techniques to hold Wykle down until backup units arrived, at which point he was taken into custody without further issue.
Wykle is now facing misdemeanor charges of evading arrest, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27 in Pottsville.
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