CLEARFIELD – District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. has announced Clearfield County’s Fugitive of the Week.
Shaw identified the fugitive as Michael English, 35, of Lingle Street, Osceola Mills. English is wanted for failure to appear at jury selection April 13, at which time a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On Sept. 28, 2016, Officer Joseph Witherite of the Decatur Township Police Department filed a criminal complaint, charging English with fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, F3; use/possession of drug paraphernalia, M; recklessly endangering another person, M2, four counts; disorderly conduct, M3; and various traffic offenses.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, while on routine patrol Sept. 17, 2016, Witherite encountered a vehicle in an isolated area. The area is known for a high level of drug activity.
When Witherite attempted to make contact with the operator of the vehicle, he allegedly pulled away and accelerated quickly. Witherite subsequently activated his emergency lights; however, the vehicle continued to flee at a high rate of speed.
The vehicle traveled into a field due to its high rate of speed before returning back to the roadway. Witherite continued to follow the vehicle while its operator committed numerous traffic offenses and traveled at a high rate of speed.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop and the operator, later identified as English, was taken into custody. Witherite conducted several interviews with bystanders who reported being nearly struck by the vehicle operated by English.
A preliminary hearing was held Nov. 2, 2016, at which time all charges were held to court. On April 13, English failed to appear at jury selection, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
English is described as a Caucasian male who stands 6 feet, 1-inch tall. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.
Anyone with knowledge of English’s location is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers 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.”