2 crashes lead to charges

Brett Hambright

New Holland police filed charges against two men in connection with separate incidents in Earl Township.

Philip H. Martin, 22, was charged with fleeing police on an all-terrain vehicle — at speeds up to 50 mph. He passed moving vehicles on Route 23, police said, before being captured after getting stuck in a piece of farm equipment.

Jeffrey A. King, 40, was charged with public drunkenness after an officer witnessed him crash his bicycle into a street curb early Wednesday morning, police said.

Officer Wendell Metzler noticed the West Main Street resident seemed to be intoxicated after approaching him about seven blocks from his home, police said.

Both men were released and are being mailed a summons to appear in court, officials said.

Officer David Hughes encountered the ATV rider late Friday night on Route 23.

ATVs aren't allowed on roadways, aside from when crossing streets.

Hughes said the rider, later identified as Martin, was traveling with traffic and passing cars. The officer activated his cruiser lights and tried to stop the ATV, but the rider turned off his lights and sped away.

Hughes followed him to South Shirk Road, where the rider turned onto a farmer's field. Hughes said he followed a road to the other side of the field, but the ATV didn't reappear.

Hughes said he found the ATV, with Martin hunched over on top, entangled in farm fencing equipment used to funnel horses and cows between fields.

Upon questioning, Hughes discovered Martin had ridden the ATV — which belongs to his boss — at least 6 to 7 miles from his East Earl Township home.

Hughes said he was charging Martin with misdemeanor fleeing police and six traffic/registration violations.

Source: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/237860

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