SHAMOKIN - A 20-year-old Mahanoy City man, who allegedly led police on an all-terrain vehicle high-speed chase through the city Monday afternoon before fighting with an officer who subdued him, has been charged with numerous criminal offenses.
Justin Allen Klinger, of 236 E. Mahanoy St., is charged by Patrolman Raymond Siko II with a felony offense of aggravated assault involving injuries to a police officer, misdemeanors of flight to avoid apprehension, fleeing or attempting to elude police, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and simple assault, and summaries of harassment, careless driving, driving under suspension, operating an unregistered vehicle, operating a vehicle without proper inspection and operating an all-terrain vehicle on a public street.
Klinger was tackled by Shamokin Patrolman Nathan Rhodes on a dirt path behind Sam Bressi Motors near the Shamokin-Coal Township line after his ATV became disabled in runoff from an abandoned mine discharge.
Police later discovered Klinger was wanted on a bench warrant in Schuylkill County for failing to appear in court on March 11 for a preliminary hearing on charges of receiving stolen property and retail theft.
The pursuit started when Siko spotted Klinger on the ATV traveling west on Race Street near the intersection with Pearl Street.
Klinger drove at a high rate of speed down Spruce Street toward Harrison Street, where Siko said he attempted to cut him off with his police cruiser. He eluded the officer after going around the road block and traveling down Harrison Street.
Rhodes spotted Klinger coming across town and continued with the pursuit. The chase led onto a dirt path at Vine and Independence streets near Route 61. Rhodes pursued the suspect with his cruiser on the muddy and pothole strewn path until Klinger jumped off the ATV at the runoff, according to police.
After a brief foot pursuit, Rhodes tackled Klinger and a struggle ensued. Rhodes subdued Klinger as Siko and additional police officers from Shamokin and Coal Township arrived at the scene.
Although Rhodes was wet, dirty and slightly bruised from the fight, he did not require medical treatment.