CLEARFIELD – An anonymous tip led to the capture of a wanted fugitive, stated District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr.
Shaw identified the fugitive as Michael English, 35, of Lingle Street, Osceola Mills. He was added to the Clearfield County Fugitive of the Week list Monday.
English was 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.
According to Shaw, on Wednesday sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of the Pennsylvania State Police, responded to an anonymous tip regarding the location of English.
Authorities subsequently responded to a residence. Upon obtaining permission to enter, deputies located English upstairs. He was taken into custody and is currently lodged in the Clearfield County Jail.
Shaw thanked the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office and the Pennsylvania State Police for their assistance with this case.
Shaw further acknowledged that English was located as the direct result of a citizen’s willingness to provide information to law enforcement.
Anyone with knowledge of a fugitive’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.”