A Bristol Township man has been charged with stealing a car in Middletown and leading law enforcement on a pursuit.
Authorities allege in court papers that 45-year-old Todd J. Reese stole a Toyota Scion that was left running and unlocked from the Shoppes at Flowers Mil around 6:50 p.m. Wednesday.
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The incident was called in and the information was broadcast on police radio. A Pennsylvania State Police trooper head the dispatch and spotted the vehicle on northbound Route 1 and waited until backup arrived before unsuccessfully attempting a PIT maneuver just past Oxford Valley Road. A second PIT maneuver on Route 1 near the Falls Township and Morrisville border ended the chase, according to court papers.
The driver of a vehicle that was struck by Reese in the stolen car suffered “moderate” injuries, state police said.
In addition, a state police patrol car was damaged during the chase.
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Reese was arraigned before Judge John Kelly on charges including theft, fleeing and eluding police, resisting arrest and recklessly endangering another person. He was sent to prison on 10 percent of $50,000 bail and was released because his medical clearances were not accepted by the prison.
Due to the chase and ensuing accident, traffic on northbound Route 1 was backed up for at least an hour.
Police from Falls and Morrisville assisted troopers and Middletown officers at the crash scene. Medics from the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad were also dispatched to the scene.
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Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.
