Mill Run man due for hearing after chase, damage to police vehicle

March 19--A Mill Run man who police say led then on a high-speed chase over the weekend, resulting in a damaged state police vehicle, has been charged.

Ricky Nelson Richter Sr., 47, of 318 Ash St. was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police, recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief and 13 traffic violations before on-call District Judge Michael Metros.

The charges stem from an incident at 1:07 a.m. Saturday when Connellsville Police spotted Richter's vehicle, a Ford Ranger, in the Sheetz parking lot. Police ran the plates to find Richter's vehicle was suspended for an insurance cancellation.

The vehicle exited the parking lot onto West Crawford at a red light, but ran the light before police could activate their lights and sirens, according to the complaint.

Connellsville police chased Richter's truck on West Crawford Avenue at speeds in excess of 65 mph, not stopping for red lights. The chase continued onto Snyder Street and up Route 711 in excess of 80 mph.

At one point, Richter's vehicle made a sharp left turn onto Route 653 in Normalville, then onto Camp Wildwood Road and onto a logging road where a police vehicle became stuck and could not continue the chase.

Connellsville Police contacted state police at Uniontown and provided a location where Richter's vehicle could possibly re-enter on Route 653.

Troopers were able to locate the vehicle and bring it to a stop when someone fled from them and caused damage to the police vehicle.

Damage estimates will be available at Richter's preliminary hearing, which is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday before District Judge Ronald Haggerty Jr.

Richter was lodged in the Fayette County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bond.

Mark Hofmann is a staff writer with Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-626-3539 or [email protected].

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