A thief caught looking in the act led police on a chase before crashing into a fire hydrant early this morning. It started shortly after 2am on the 6200 block of Southridge Terrace in Swatara Township. Police say a witness saw a man looking into homes and vehicles and called police. A patrol officer saw a man looking into the trunk of a vehicle and when he identified himself the suspect ran to his own vehicle. The ensuing pursuit went into Lower Paxton Township. Police broke off the pursuit on Union Deposit Road, west of the High School. The suspect’s vehicle was found later crashed into a fire hydrant at Union Deposit Road and East Park Drive. The suspect had already fled on foot.
Police from Lower Paxton, Susquehanna Township and State Police joined in the search and the suspect, Joseph-Jon Martin, 26, of Akron, was eventually found and arrested in the woods near the A-Plus Sunoco at Union Deposit Road and East Park Drive.
Martin faces a host of charges including Burglary, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police, Flight to Avoid Apprehension, Theft from a motor vehicle, Recklessly Endangering, Loitering and Prowling at Night, Driving While SuspendedReckless Driving, Accidents involving Damage to Unattended Vehicle or Property and Driving at Safe Speeds.
He is currently awaiting arraignment.