BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) — Additional details have emerged in the high-speed police chase on Interstate 80 early Monday morning that led to the arrest of two men from the Bronx.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Jefferson County District Court, the incident began when DuBois-based State Police Trooper Ryan Wilson stopped a 2014 Nissan Altima driven by Ibrhima Dukaray, 22, of the Bronx, at mile marker 88.8 in the westbound lane at about 2:16 a.m.
Tpr. Seth Hari, a passenger in the patrol car, first saw the Altima traveling approximately 50 miles per hour in the left lane where the speed limit is posted at 70 mph. When he ran a license check through his computer, he discovered the car was reported stolen from New York City.
Tpr. Wilson then pulled the car over. When both officers spoke to Dukaray and Alhaji D. Jatta, 21, of the Bronx, they both smelled a strong odor of marijuana. When Tpr. Wilson requested Dukaray’s driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance, Dukaray presented a fake Illinois license.
When Tpr. Hari questioned Jatta where they were headed, he replied that they were headed to Ohio to see his brother. Jatta said he was familiar with the owner of the Altima, but couldn’t remember his name, the complaint said.
At the time, Dukaray appeared to be under the influence of marijuana. Tpr. Wilson then asked Jatta to get out of the car so he could hear him better. At that point, Jatta began whispering the name “Michael” and then Dukaray fled the scene, according to the complaint.
Both troopers returned to their patrol car and pursued the Altima as it traveled in excess of 120 mph. It also weaved back and forth in both lanes and failed to use turn signals while doing so.
The Altima then tried to leave the interstate at exit 78 at Brookville at about 90 miles per hour and lost control, struck a road sign and came to a final rest on the embankment. Both the driver and the passenger ran from the scene before being found nearby.
Both men were searched, and Jatta was found to be in possession of various drug paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana that was packaged individually in tiny ziplock baggies, according to the complaint.
Dukaray and Jatta were arraigned in District Judge David Inna’s office on Monday and taken to the Jefferson County Jail after each failed to post $500,000.00 bail.
Dukaray was charged with receiving stolen property, fleeing and eluding police, DUI, reckless endangerment, providing false ID to law enforcement and several summary traffic violations.
Jatta was charged with receiving stolen property, fleeing and eluding police and the possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Preliminary hearings are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 18, in Inzana’s office.
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