Local News

Police chase crosses 3 counties

Clearfield man taken into custody after allegedly reaching speeds over 100 mph

A Clearfield man was taken into custody after allegedly stealing a vehicle and leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a tri-county high-speed chase before crashing in Altoona.

Based on previous incidents with police, Donald Earl Meyer was identified in security footage as the suspect allegedly stealing a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado about 4:22 p.m. Thursday from the area of 400 Reed St., Clearfield Borough. Footage showed a white male wearing a yellow and black Pittsburgh Pirates sweatshirt steal the vehicle, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Using the truck's GPS, Clearfield Regional police were able to track the vehicle through Ashville and heading into Blair County. Meyer then reportedly passed Logan Township police at the intersection of Avalon Road and State Route 36. When officers initiated a traffic stop and commanded Meyer to exit the vehicle, Meyer fled the scene, the police report states.

Officers with the Blair County Sheriff's Office, Allegheny Township and Altoona police departments and state police at Bedford and Hollidaysburg assisted with the pursuit as Meyer, 50, traveled through Clearfield, Blair and Bedford counties and the city of Altoona at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Meyer struck a parked vehicle in the area of Pine Avenue and passed other motorists while leading police through marked construction zones, the report states.

Meyer fled to Greenfield Township and entered U.S. Route 220, where he continued south into Bedford County.

Officers attempted to deploy spike strips, but Meyer evaded them and re-entered I-99, driving northbound.

Police successfully deployed spike strips, causing Meyer to crash the Silverado in the construction zone on the Plank Road overpass, court documents state.

Once Meyer was detained, officers learned his driver's license was suspended and that Meyer had been convicted twice of driving with a suspended license. He also had numerous active warrants out of Clearfield County for various theft and criminal trespass charges, according to the affidavit.

He was arraigned Friday by Magisterial District Judge Paula M. Aigner on two felony counts of criminal mischief, one felony count each of receiving stolen property and fleeing police, 20 misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person, two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, single misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and driving with a suspended license, as well as numerous summary traffic violations.

Meyer is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Matthew Dunio on June 5. He was remanded to the Blair County Prison in lieu of $250,000 bail.