Three men were taken into custody after police were led on a high-speed chase through Johnstown.
Alexander Benson, 29, of Chester County, is charged with first-degree felony aggravated assault, second-degree felony aggravated assault, third-degree felony fleeing or attempting to evade police, misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and reckless endangerment, and related traffic crimes.
According to the criminal complaint, Johnstown police officers were tasked with locating a white Honda Accord linked to a Richland Township Police investigation into alleged mail theft and altered checks. The vehicle was discovered at a Sheetz in Johnstown, and Benson was identified as the driver. He was apparently wanted on various warrants.
According to the affidavit, as cops approached the car, Benson drove directly toward one of them, forcing him to get out of the way to avoid being hit. Then Benson allegedly came to a halt, raised his hands, and refused to lower his window.
When a police attempted to open the driver’s door, Benson allegedly sped away, forcing the officer to jump backward to escape being hit.
Police then followed Benson through Johnstown, where he reached speeds of around 60 mph and repeatedly drove into opposing traffic lanes.
Police were able to box in Benson’s vehicle on Goucher Street and take him into jail.
Two passengers were also removed from the vehicle and put into prison. Jaylin Butler, 24, and Nayim Jones, 20, both of Downingtown, are charged in connection with the investigation that led to the traffic stop.
Benson is being jailed at Cambria County Prison on 10% of $500,000 bond while awaiting a preliminary hearing on October 22.
Butler and Jones are also being held at Cambria County Prison on a bail of 10% of $750,000. The two are being investigated for alleged mail theft and altered checks.
Leave a Reply