A man jumped into Silver Lake in a botched attempt to flee Pennsylvania State Police, according to court papers.
Trooper Igor Karlov wrote in court papers that he attempted to stop a black Acura TL that he spotted violating traffic laws on I-95 and Veterans Highway (Route 413) in Bristol Township late last Wednesday afternoon. He activated his patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and siren. The Acura then accelerated in speed.
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The trooper was in pursuit when the Acura traveled across the concrete separation on Veterans Highway near Western Avenue and turned into Commerce Circle at Bristol Park Plaza. The car went into oncoming traffic numerous times, state police said.
The trooper wrote in court papers that he terminated the pursuit in the shopping center that sits on the border of Bristol Township and Bristol Borough.
While approaching the intersection of Route 13 and Bath Road after the chase ended, the trooper spotted the Acura nearly strike a road sign and cross the grassy island in the middle of Route 13 before driving northbound in the southland lanes, state police said.
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The Acura hit a car head-on and became disabled, state police said.
The trooper observed the driver and passenger of the Acura flee the crash, state police said.
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During a foot pursuit, the trooper called for the suspected driver to stop and fired a Taser, which failed to make contact with the suspect due to his heavy clothing, state police said.
The suspected driver – identified as Shiree John Wilson 34, of Philadelphia – jumped into Silver Lake and began to swim away from shore before returning, state police said.
The National Weather Service reported the high temperature last Wednesday was mid-40s.
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Wilson refused to follow orders from state police and had to be placed onto the ground by law enforcement, troopers said.
An ambulance was called for Wilson to be checked after swimming in the cold water.
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Wilson was examined at Lower Bucks Hospital and found to have not been injured, state police said.
Wilson was allegedly found to not have a driver’s license.
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It was unclear if the passenger who fled the Acura was captured. They did not appear to be charged in relation to the incident.
Wilson was arraigned by District Judge Kevin Wagner early last Thursday morning on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, accidents involving injury while not licensed, accident involving damage to attended vehicle, and 11 summary traffic offenses. He was jailed after being unable to post 10 percent of $75,000 bail.
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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.
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