A South Huntingdon man was arrested Saturday night at the end of a 15-mile police chase through several communities, according to court papers.
Troopers said they believe Ridge L. Teeters, 18, was impaired by drugs.
State police encountered a Chevrolet Cobalt that was traveling 90 mph in a 55 mph zone near the Mt. Pleasant exit on Route 30 west in Hempfield around 10:15 p.m. During attempts to get the car to slow down, troopers said the driver gave them the middle finger, according to court papers.
A pursuit continued through Hempfield, South Greensburg, Mt. Pleasant Township and East Huntingdon as troopers followed the car through residential and rural areas. Police said the car ran several stop signs and red lights and veered into opposing lanes to pass traffic during the 15-minute chase, according to court papers.
Troopers succeeded in getting the car to stop by using a PIT maneuver — in which an officer uses their vehicle to push the fleeing vehicle sideways — in the area of Old Route 119 and Sand Hill Road in East Huntingdon. They took Teeters into custody after a brief struggle. Police said they found marijuana in the car, all four tires were bald, the inspection sticker was fraudulent and the license plate was not connected to the car, according to court papers.
His blood was sent for lab analysis but police said Teeters appeared to be under the influence of drugs.
He is charged with fleeing from police, driving under the influence, reckless endangerment and numerous vehicle code violations, including driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked. Court papers indicate his license previously suspended was for an impaired driving offense.
Teeters did not have an attorney listed in online court records. He is free on $5,000 unsecured bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 21.
