High-speed police chase ends in Delaware County
Police arrested a man suspected of stealing catalytic converters in Chester County, but not before the suspect led officers on a high-speed chase that ended in Chadds Ford Township.
Jesse J. Hawkins Jr., 31, Wilmington, Delaware, was charged with theft, fleeing police, receiving stolen property, driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property, and related offenses. He was arraigned District Judge Martin Goch and was committed to Chester County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail.
Police gave this account:
The Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department was dispatched on March 15 shortly before 7:30 a.m. to DML Automotive in the 1000 block of Wilmington Pike in Westtown Township for the report of a catalytic converter theft that had just occurred.
Shortly after being provided with a description of the suspect and his vehicle, a patrol officer located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The operator of the vehicle refused to stop, leading officers on a brief pursuit.
After obtaining further investigative information about the fleeing vehicle, the pursuing officer terminated the chase in the 1600 block of Wilmington Pike in Chadds Ford Township.
Moments later, the suspect’s vehicle was involved in a minor crash with two uninvolved motorists. Hawkins continued driving and his vehicle then was involved in another crash at Routes 202 and 1, which disabled his vehicle.
Hawkins attempted to run but was taken into custody by officers.
There were no injuries as a result of the crashes.
State police were contacted and troopers from the Media station arrived and assisted with the investigation.