CLEARFIELD – Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. announced the capture of a wanted fugitive. Shaw identified the fugitive as Benjamin Christopher Knight, 25 of Route 208 Knox.
Knight was added to the Clearfield County Fugitive of the Week list on Oct. 25. Shaw stated that rangers of the United States Park Service in Roanoke, VA took Knight into custody after charging him with driving under the influence in a federal park.
Knight was extradited to Clearfield County on Thursday to face charges of driving under the influence of alcohol; registration card to be exhibited; obedience to traffic control devices; flashing signals; and driving on divided highways.
An affidavit of probable cause filed by Trooper Michael Fletcher, of the Pennsylvania StatePolice, DuBois barracks, states that while on routine patrol, police observed a Subaru Baja fail to stop for a flashing red light at the intersection of state Route 219 and SR 830. The vehicle then turned left heading north in the southbound lane of SR 219. Upon stopping the vehicle, Fletcher detected signs of impairment and requested Knight to perform field sobriety tests. Knight was then transported to DRMC for blood testing.
A preliminary hearing was held on May 14 at which time Knight waived the charges to court. On Oct. 21, Knight failed to appear for jury selection and a warrant was issued for Knight’s arrest.
Shaw reported that Knight has been lodged in the Clearfield County Jail and his case will be placed on the trial list. Knight’s trial will occur within the next six months.
Shaw thanked the United States Park Service for their assistance with this case.
Anyone with knowledge of a fugitive’s location is asked to call Clearfield County Crimestoppers at (800)-376-4700. All calls to Crimestoppers are confidential.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”
