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Baldwin police seek suspect in attack, chases
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Police in Baldwin Borough are searching for a man they said tried to run down an officer early Tuesday morning in an SUV and then led them on a chase before crashing near the Glenwood Bridge and escaping on foot.
Police Chief Michael Scott said his department has a warrant for Lafon Ellis, 18, on charges of fleeing police and related offenses.
Mr. Ellis already was wanted by the U.S. Marshals Service on an aggravated assault charge.
The incident began about 2:50 a.m. Tuesday, when Baldwin officers had pulled over a car on Glass Run Road and noticed a vehicle accelerating up the hill toward them with its high beams on. The officers didn't give chase because they were busy with the other driver, but a short time later the SUV returned.
One of the officers shined his light at the driver and yelled for him to stop but, Chief Scott said, the motorist swerved at the officer, forcing him to jump clear.
One of the Baldwin officers then gave chase and pulled over the SUV on Glass Run.
The driver, later identified as Mr. Ellis, said "What's up?" and the officer began running his license plate. At that point, Chief Scott said, Mr. Ellis took off, leading to a second chase.
This one ended when Mr. Ellis wrecked under the Glenwood Bridge and bailed out, escaping into a wooded area. A male and female juvenile who were in the car were questioned by police and let go. Police also found Mr. Ellis' identification in the vehicle.
Chief Scott said Pittsburgh police apparently had contact with Mr. Ellis a short time earlier and he also may have been involved in a pursuit Monday in Avalon.
First Published September 26, 2012 12:00 am
