Police chase yields drug, weapon charges

BY STACI WILSON

A Montrose man was taken into custody last week after he led police on a near six-mile chase Tuesday, May 19 in Brooklyn and Bridgewater townships.

Daniel Thomas, 24, was charged with aggravated assault; firearms not to be carried without a license; fleeing or attempting to elude police; recklessly endangering another person; and drug possession charges.

According to the affidavit filed in Clifford District Court, Thomas allegedly fired about five round of ammunition in front of his parents’ home in Brooklyn Twp. just after 7 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Thomas was then seen driving his black Audi the Heart Lake area of Bridgewater Twp. Tpr. J.T. Bushta activated his lights and siren but Thomas drove faster on Williams Rd. and according to the affidavit, obtained speeds of about 65 mph on the dirt road.

Thomas turned onto several roads in the area, finally turning onto McCollum Road toward the intersection with SR 706.

Cpl. Jeffrey Burman came from the other direction in his vehicle, but, according to the affidavit, Thomas struck the police vehicle in the front end then continued toward SR 706.

Tpr. Bushta then was able to strike Thomas’ vehicle with his vehicle, sending it into the guide rail.

Thomas tossed a firearm – a Taurus Judge .45 Colt/410 shotsell revolver – toward the middle of the road before exiting his vehicle.

Thomas is being held in the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility with bail set at $250,000. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 2 in Clifford District Court.