Coatesville driver taken into custody after fleeing from police

>> A man who ran from West Chester police after a traffic stop was taken into custody.

On April 27 at 8:05 a.m., officers saw a white Ford work van make an illegal left turn in front of an oncoming motorist in the area of Chestnut Street and Hannum Avenue. Officers activated their emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Lukoil gas station located in the 400 block of Hannum Ave.

The driver of the van exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After an investigation, the driver who fled was identified as James Beckett, 32, of Coatesville. An arrest warrant was issued and Beckett was taken into custody at approximately 3:50 p.m. the same day at an apartment in West Chester. Beckett was charged with escape and related traffic offenses.

Police reports from across the region:

West Chester

Flees scene On May 1 at 7:45 p.m., officers responded to the 50 block of Price Street for a report of a vehicle crash in which one party fled the scene. Officers are attempting to locate the owner and/ or operator of a black Hyundai operated by a white female. If anyone has information about either the owner of the vehicle or operator of the vehicle, contact Officer Ferriola at the West Chester Police Department at 610-696-2700. Assault On May 2 at 1:15 pm, West Chester police officers responded to a residence in the 400 block of NorthEverhart Streetfor a disturbance. After an investigation it was determined that a mutual combat fight took place between Karl McIntyre and Cody Mealy-McIntyre. Karl McIntyre, 40, of West Chester, and Cody Mealey- McIntyre, 21, of West Chester, were charged with simple assault. Simple assault On March 21 at 8:25 a.m., officers from the West Chester Police Department were dispatched to 601 Downingtown Pike Unit 18 for an assault in progress. Contact was made with the victim who had a complaint of pain to her head as well as her left shoulder. The victim was transported to Chester County Hospital for evaluation. The suspect fled prior to officers arrival. The suspect was identified as, Jackie James Hills, 41, of West Chester. An arrest warrant was issued for Hills who turned himself in to West Chester Police. Hills was transported to Chester County Prison for arraignment and released after posting bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 14. False ID On April 24 at 2:20 a.m., officers attempted to stop two people, a male and a female, engaged in suspicious activity. Both fled on foot and were stopped a short distance later. The female refused to identify herself and provided multiple false names to officers. She was placed under arrest and later identified as Belinda Benton, 33, of West Chester. Benton was also found to be in possession of marijuana. Benton was charged with False ID to Law Enforcement and possession of marijuana. She was released on summons.

West Whiteland

Vehicle break-ins Officers are investigating numerous reports a vehicles broken into while parked at the new baseball fields at Boot Road Park North on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. The thefts likely took place between 5:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.. A man later attempted to use credit cards from two of the vehicles at the Walmart store in Exton. He was picked up by a black Mazda being operated by an unknown person. Anyone with information, or who might have witnessed anything suspicious, is urged to call (610) 6925100 to speak with an officer.

Beckett