Cops: Armstrong County man jailed after 35-mile chase
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An Armstrong County man is in jail after allegedly leading state police on a 35-mile chase from rural Indiana County into Clearfield County early Sunday.
Keith William Habel, 40, of Ford City is charged with fleeing and eluding police, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless endangering and driving on a suspended license. He also is charged with 27 traffic summary violations and was wanted on a warrant involving an assault in Clymer on Feb. 11, troopers said.
Troopers stationed in Indiana, Punxsutawney and Clearfield were involved in the pursuit that began in Dixonville, Indiana County, about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, state police reported. It started when a trooper attempted to pull over Habel in his black 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier for having an inoperable headlamp.
“The trooper activated the patrol unit’s emergency lights and siren. The suspect vehicle then fled at a high rate of speed and a pursuit was initiated,” Trooper Clifford Greenfield said.
During the pursuit, a trooper deployed spike strips along Route 286 east of Mahaffey in Clearfield County, police said. The pursuit ended on Route 986 near Grampian, also in Clearfield County.
Police said Habel exited his car and surrendered without incident after the pursuit ended.
Habel was ordered held in the Indiana County Jail on $5,000 bond. A March 18 preliminary hearing is scheduled.