Brownsville man charged following police chase
A Brownsville man was arrested Wednesday after leading police on a chase in two counties before he was apprehended in an apartment building in Brownsville.
According to the criminal complaint, James Close, 29, was charged with fleeing, flight to avoid apprehension, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest, reckless driving and various traffic violations.
Brownsville police said Close’s bail was set at $100,000, and he was taken to Fayette County Prison.
The complaint said Brownsville police attempted to initiate a traffic stop around 7:44 p.m. near Main Street. Close did not stop and allegedly crossed in front of an oncoming train on Main Street.
Police allege that during the pursuit, Close’s vehicle traveled 45 mph through many streets in the borough.
Police allegedly pursued the vehicle across the Inter-county Bridge into West Brownsville, Washington County, and then back across the bridge into Fayette County.
Brownsville police Patrolman Alexis Metros reported that Close tried to crash into his vehicle numerous times. The complaint said Close stopped at a parking lot along Water Street.
Police said Close got out of the car and ran inside an apartment building on High Street. Police said that when they located Close in a vacant apartment, he resisted arrest.
The complaint said multiple officers allegedly struggled with Close and that a Taser had to be used.
Close was arraigned Thursday by Fayette County Magisterial District Judge Michael Metros. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 5 before Magisterial District Judge Mike Defino Jr.
Police said Close was on parole for other unrelated criminal charges.