According to Punxsutawney-based State Police, 48-year-old George R. Bedell, of Big Run, fled from a marked state police vehicle that had its emergency lights and siren activated.
Police say during the incident, the ATV struck a 2013 Ford Explorer in the driver’s side door in the attempt to flee.
Bedell was subsequently located a short time later and taken into custody, according to police.
58-year-old Randall C. Keller, of Punxsutawney, was a passenger on the ATV, police say.
Bedell was charged with the following offenses:
- Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Officer, Felony 3
- Accident Involving Damage Attended Vehicle/Prop (Hit and Run), Misdemeanor 3
- Unlawful Operate Snow/Atv Under Influence, Summary
- Unlawful Oper. Snow/Atv Without Helmet, Summary
- Accidents/Reports – Duty To Stop And Provide Info, Summary
- Duties At Stop Sign, Summary
- Operation On Streets And Highways, Summary
- Unlawful Operate Snow/Atv At Unsafe Speed, Summary
He was take to the Jefferson County Jail and video arraigned by MDJ 54-3-02.
He was released on $5,000.00 unsecured bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. on May 14 in front of Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana.