Belle Vernon man arrested for fleeing with wife, baby in car
A Belle Vernon man was arrested after leading a Washington County sheriff’s deputy on a high-speed chase on several Washington streets Monday morning with his wife and 6-week-old son in the vehicle.
John James Galayda, 38, of 525 Indian Hill Road, faces charges of fleeing or eluding, hindering apprehension, endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment, driving under suspension and traffic violations. He was arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward and placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond.
Deputy Ronald Catrain was driving on Allison Avenue when he saw Galayda get into a vehicle and take off at a high speed, according to the affidavit. Catrain attempted to stop him, but Galayda continued on several streets before getting on Jefferson Avenue, where he drove at a high speed, causing other motorists to move to the side of the street to avoid him, the affidavit states. Catrain finally stopped Galayda’s car at the intersection of Duncan Avenue and Clark Street. Galayda told the deputy he wanted to avoid having his wife being taken to jail on an outstanding bench warrant. The woman, Ashley Brooks, was also taken into custody and later released.