Driver wearing clown mask leads police on chase
Published: October 31, 2009
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share thisA driver in a clown mask leaving a Plains Twp. nightclub early Friday honked his horn while passing an accident scene, nearly clipped a firefighter, traveled through a red light in front of officers and led police on a high-speed chase, according to charges filed Friday.
When police finally stopped the vehicle, they say the driver curiously asked, "Why are you pulling me over?"
After the driver was unmasked, he was identified as 24-year-old Jordan Alexander Caraballo of Mountaintop.
Mr. Caraballo was charged with driving under the influence, fleeing and eluding police, failure to stop at a red light, careless driving and reckless driving.
Police first encountered Mr. Caraballo about 2:17 a.m. while emergency crews were on the scene of a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian in the parking lot of the Woodlands Inn and Resort.
Officers at the hit-and-run scene reported hearing a vehicle honking its horn as it was driving around a Plains Twp. firetruck, which had its emergency lights activated. The blue 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier then nearly struck a township firefighter as it passed the scene.
Police on foot tried to make the driver stop, but he continued to travel toward Route 315, according to an affidavit. Officers say they watched as Mr. Caraballo temporarily stopped at a red light, but then turned left onto Route 315 while the light was still red, and drove off at a high rate of speed.
Plains police Sgt. Dale Binker got into his patrol car and chased Mr. Caraballo.
Mr. Caraballo initially continued to flee but pulled over by Friendly's Restaurant on Kidder Street.
Sgt. Binker took him into custody on suspected DUI and related charges.
Mr. Caraballo is at Luzerne County Correctional Facility in lieu of $5,000 bail.
Contact the writer: bkalinowski@citizensvoice.com
13 posted comments
Because they taste funny.