Man accused in 115 mph Hempfield chase didn't have valid license, police say
A Fayette County man is accused of leading state police on a chase early Friday on Route 119 with speeds that surpassed 100 mph, according to court papers.
Clarence Spackman, 33, of Bullskin, is being held at the Westmoreland County Prison on charges of fleeing from police, driving under the influence and numerous summary vehicle code violations, including driving without a license.
Troopers said they were headed to a call in Mt. Pleasant Township at 2 a.m. Friday when they spotted a Mitsubishi Outlander speeding south on Route 119 in Hempfield, according to court papers.
The SUV was traveling at 95 mph in a 65-mph zone and attempted to exit at West Tech Drive but spun out. Troopers said they tried to use a police cruiser to stop the SUV, but the suspect returned to the southbound highway and drove a few miles into Fayette County, according to court papers.
The SUV traveled 115 mph through construction zones in which the speed limit is 45 mph, police said.
The driver lost control after turning onto Crossroads and Richey roads just over the border into Fayette County and crashed into a tree. The suspect fled on foot and was apprehended by troopers. Police identified him as Spackman.
Investigators were awaiting the results of a blood test. His license was suspended because of a past DUI offense, police said.
Spackman was being held at the jail on $25,000 bail. He did not have an attorney listed in online court records. A May 11 preliminary hearing is set.
Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.
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