Oct 13, 2018 3 min read

South Strabane Township police filed charges against two men taken into custody last weekend after a chase that ended in a crash at Racetrack Road and Route 19.

Kyle Michael Duff, 31, of 108 Fulton St., Washington, who allegedly was the driver, and Maurice E. Scott, 39, who police identified as a backseat passenger, were arraigned Friday morning before District Judge Jay Weller. Both have been in Washington County jail since Saturday. Duff is in jail on a parole detainer, while Scott was jailed on a bench warrant.

Police were monitoring the intersection of Murtland Avenue, Route 19 and Oak Spring Road about 2 p.m. Saturday when an officer spotted a vehicle with expired registration going north on Route 19. The car then got onto Interstate 70 westbound and Interstate 79 northbound.

The officer activated the emergency lights and siren near the Racetrack Road exit in an attempt to stop the car. The driver, later identified as Duff, turned off onto Racetrack. Police said the vehicle continued east on Racetrack at about 80 mph, going through several red lights. When reaching Route 19, police said Duff tried to turn left but crashed into another vehicle.

Duff allegedly got out of the vehicle and ran. Officer Eric Holt got out of his vehicle, secured it and began to chase Duff in the direction of Park Plaza Plaza. Police said Duff jumped from a bridge about 10 feet down into a creekbed, then walked back and forth under the bridge before continuing along the creek. He was taken into custody by police when he reached a clearing.

After the crash, Scott also allegedly ran from the car. A witness told police that he ran in the direction of The Meadows Casino. The witness also told police that the man dropped a bag while running. Police said they found a bag that contained suspected cocaine. When apprehended, Scott allegedly told police that he ran because he knew there was a warrant for his arrest.

Police said they found suspected heroin on the floor on the driver’s side of the car, and six films of Suboxone in the backseat where Scott had been sitting. Scott also reportedly had a large amount of cash.

Duff is charged with aggravated assault by vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude police, accidents involving injury, resisting arrest, flight to avoid apprehension, possession of heroin and paraphernalia, reckless endangerment and traffic violations. His bond was set at $50,000 bond. Scott is charged with possession and possession with intent to deliver cocaine, possession of paraphernalia and escape. His bond was set at $25,000. The two are scheduled for an Oct. 23 preliminary hearing before Weller.