POLICE: HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER IN CUSTODY
PHOENIXVILLE >> A driver involved in two hit-and-run accidents and who led a chase through sections of Valley Forge National Historical Park, Schuylkill Township and Phoenixville has been arrested, Phoenixville Police confirmed Sunday.
Rasheem Russell, 38, of Philadelphia, faces charges of reckless endangerment and accidents involving other vehicles, along with other related traffic offenses, after police say he caused two accidents and tried to get away. No injuries were reported in either accident.
At approximately noon Sunday, Russell, driving a tan Ford Explorer SUV, allegedly sideswiped another vehicle headed in the opposite direction at Valley Forge National Historical Park and then fled the scene, Police Sgt. Lance Frost said. Witnesses followed the vehicle and called 911 along the way.
Then in front of the Gateway Pharmacy, 165 Nutt Road, Russell’s vehicle reportedly backed into the vehicle of the witnesses of the original crash, leaving minor damage and took off again. Witnesses lost the vehicle, but Phoenixville Police later spotted him and began a furious chase through borough streets.
The chase ended at about 12:30 p.m. Lance said as Russell was captured along the 300 block of Locust Drive. Photos from the scene show Rus-
sell, dressed in a black Tshirt, black pants and tan boots, being held by the wrist by police Officer Paul Ansaldo, as he lays on his back in the middle of the street next to the tan SUV. Ansaldo is then seen handcuffing Russell as he lays on his stomach, before leading him into a police SUV.
Frost said borough police have turned over all information regarding the original crash to Valley Forge Park rangers, who will handle that investigation.
Russell was held Sunday afternoon at the Phoenixville Police station awaiting arraignment.