Trucker leads police on turnpike pursuit
State police dodged thrown debris, including a refrigerator, as they were led on a 34-mile pursuit Saturday morning near Arnold City.
Police said they received a call around 2 a.m. from a distressed Christopher Charles Boyer, saying that he was going to wreck his tractor trailer on Route 70. Belle Vernon police attempted to conduct a traffic stop near Exit 44, but the truck barreled past, moving towards Greensburg.
Several units pursued the truck for 34 miles beginning at Arnold City and ending near mile marker 95 on Route 76 in Westmoreland County. Boyer, 47, of West Mifflintown, threw several items from the trailer cab, including a steel canister, which rendered a patrol car inoperable, a refrigerator and his own socks and shoes, according to police.
The truck was finally brought to a stop after it encountered spike strips set up by police. The chase ended shortly after 3 a.m.
Police said Boyer was subdued and taken into custody after he refused to get out of the cab. Police said there were indicators that Boyer was under the influence of a controlled substance, namely Xanax. Boyer was taken to Mon Valley Hospital where he was examined and treated for cuts sustained during detainment.
Boyer was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, fleeing or attempting to elude, driving under the influence, criminal mischief, recklessly endangering, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and several summary traffic violations, according to police.
Arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Mark J. Bilik, Boyer is lodged in the Westmoreland County Prison with a $100,000 monetary bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 23.