Man charged in high-speed chase in North Union Township
A Scottdale man who police believe was intoxicated allegedly led police on a high-speed chase for 13 miles beginning on Route 119 in North Union Township.
State police saw Christopher John Prolenski, 29, of Creek Road driving across the fog line and through a stop sign at the intersection of Shady Grove and Connellsville Street at 11:53 p.m. Thursday, according to court documents.
He allegedly accelerated on Route 119, and police activated their lights and sirens. They pursued him at speeds of 109 miles per hour, according to the complaint. Police conducted a pursuit intervention tactic maneuver at the intersection of Ellar and Davis roads, where he spun out in a farm field and continued driving through a corn field, over corn stalks, for about 100 yards. He crashed over an embankment on Dawson Scottdale Road, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in his case.
Prolenski allegedly refused to get out of his vehicle, and he was arrested after a struggle. Police said he had a warrant through probation and parole. He agreed to a blood test to determine if he was under the influence. Those results were not yet returned, court documents indicated.
He is charged with agricultural vandalism, flight to avoid apprehension, DUI, resisting arrest and fleeing or attempting to elude officers. He was arraigned early Thursday before on-call Magisterial District Judge Richard A. Kasunic II, who set bail at $20,000. He remains in Fayette County Prison, unable to post bail. Charges were filed before Magisterial District Judge Nathan A. Henning.