Washington police take two into custody
Washington police took two people into custody and were obtaining an arrest warrant for a third person after a brief chase that ended with a vehicle crashing into a utility pole on Alley E and bursting into flames Friday afternoon.
The driver was identified by one of the passengers as Jamar Jones, 21, with possible addresses in Washington and Canonsburg. Lt. David Bradley said city police were filing charges of receiving stolen property, fleeing and attempting to elude police, reckless endangerment, reckless driving and several traffic violations.
The other front seat passenger was a 15-year-old boy who was reported as a runaway in Fayette County. The back seat passenger was James Maskil, 21, of Washington.
The car was seen driving erratically near Allison and Hallam avenues just before 2 p.m.
“The chase only lasted eight to 10 blocks,” Bradley said. “It went from Duncan Avenue to Hall Avenue to Franklin Street. The car became airborne as it crossed Hallam and smacked into the pole. The car just burst into flames on impact. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
All three fled on foot from the burning car. The teen and Maskil were caught after a brief foot chase through yards in the area.
The teen suffered a laceration to his head after hitting the windshield during the crash. He was taken to Washington Hospital for treatment and will be released to Fayette sheriff’s deputies.
Bradley said Jones likely also suffered injuries after hitting his head on the windshield and chest on the steering wheel. The driver is black with dreadlocks and wearing a shirt with no sleeves.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact city police by calling 911.