NYC man flees Hazleton police, strikes White Haven police car, is caught in Poconos
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - A Hazleton City Police car on Dec. 18, 2022.
HAZLETON, Luzerne County – A man from the Inwood section of Manhattan is facing charges after a police pursuit into the Pocono Mountains.
Christopher Diaz, 33, is facing felony fleeing and misdemeanor reckless endangerment charges, along with a slew of traffic infractions after the pursuit.
Around 3am Monday, Hazleton Police spotted a white Mercedes with no license plate headed west on 5th Street near James Street.
Officers said the vehicle was suspected in multiple catalytic converter thefts in the area and attempted to stop the vehicle, at which point the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.
A police pursuit ensued through the city and on Route 309 into Butler Township. The fleeing Mercedes entered Interstate 80 eastbound and exited the White Haven exit onto Route 940.
Shortly after, Hazleton Police terminated the pursuit for the safety of all involved, citing “extremely high rates of speed.”
Police said shortly after Hazleton officers broke off, the Mercedes struck a White Haven police car. No injuries were reported in that crash.
The Mercedes re-entered I-80 and State Police gave chase. Troopers took the man, later identified as Diaz into custody after the driver lost control in the Lake Harmony area.
Diaz will also be facing charges from State Police, as well as White Haven Police.
He was committed to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, unable to post $5,000 cash bail.
About Author
