A Schuylkill County man nearly struck a Saint Clair police officer while fleeing on a minibike Sunday night in Pottsville. hE then crashed into a dumpster, police say.
Sean Varner, 34, of Pottsville, is charged with felony aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude police, recklessly endangering another person, and several traffic offenses. He’s being held on $50,000 bail at Schuylkill County Prison.
Police in Pottsville say an officer saw a man – later identified as Varner – riding a gas-powered minibike with no registration plate on the sidewalk in the 300 block of S. Centre St. shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday.
When the officer tried to pull Varner over, the minibike sped up and left the sidewalk, getting on the road, according to police.
Varner continued south on S. Centre St. and turned left onto Mauch Chunk St., police say. At its intersection with Route 61, he turned right and ran the red light.
Police say Varner then traveled south on the left side of Route 61, toward oncoming traffic, before turning into the parking lot of the Schuylkill Medical Plaza.
He drove around the LHVN Rehabilitation Center there and nearly hit a Saint Clair police officer with the minibike, according to police. He then crashed into a dumpster.
Police say Varner tried to run away on foot but was hit with a Taser and taken into custody.
Along with the aggravated assault, fleeing and reckless endangerment charges, Varner faces summary counts of driving with a suspended or revoked license, operating without registration, driving without insurance, failing to drive on the right side of the roadway and failing to stop at a red light.
Varner was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...