SCRANTON — A city man is accused of stealing a Scranton police patrol vehicle from a parking lot Thursday evening.
Christopher Ross, 27, of 1623 Jackson St., fled from police before he was apprehended by officers on South Main Avenue.
Ross faces felony charges including theft, fleeing police officers and flight to avoid apprehension.
Here is what police say happened:
At about 9 p.m., Scranton police officers responded to a business on South Main Avenue as part of a gun-related investigation.
As Officer Nicholas Philbin was arriving, he spotted Ross walking north behind the business.
Philbin determined there were enough officers to complete the investigation and left to respond to another call.
As he exited the parking lot onto Luzerne Street and turned north onto South Main Avenue, he saw another marked patrol vehicle pass him on his driver’s side into the oncoming traffic lane.
He noted the vehicle, which then cut in front of him, had its emergency yellow indicators activated.
He was then informed by another officer that the vehicle had just been stolen from the parking lot.
Philbin activated his emergency lights and sirens and began following the vehicle.
When the vehicle stopped at South Main Avenue and Rock Street, Philbin got out of his police car and ordered Ross to get out the vehicle. Ross didn’t comply, but instead continued on South Main Avenue.
Officers continued following Ross, noting that as he crossed 12th Avenue, the vehicle became airborne, forcing him to slow down.
Ross then approached the end of Hampton Street and was forced to turn right onto 13th Avenue. At that point, the vehicle came to a stop and Ross stepped out.
Philbin exited his vehicle and drew his firearm, ordering Ross to show his hands and get on the ground. Ross extended his arms outward, but then began walking east away from Philbin’s vehicle.
Philbin again ordered Ross to get on the ground, but he refused. Philbin then pushed Ross against the rear of the vehicle and ordered him to keep his hands visible.
Officers arrived to assist and Ross was arrested.
Emergency medical personnel responded to assess Ross for a possible overdose and he was transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center.
He remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on May 7 before District Judge Christopher J. Szewczyk.