Police: Man Tased While Attempting to Flee Police

Man Tased While Attempting to Flee Police

According to the criminal complaint, on Feb. 10 at approximately 3:00 a.m., an officer observed a jeep traveling at a high rate of speed in the area of Crescent Avenue and Seventh Street. The investigating officer activated the patrol car’s emergency signals, but the jeep didn’t pull over. Police pursued the jeep to the 300 block of Wayne Avenue where the suspect parked.

The suspect, a white male, attempted to run away, and the officer pursued on foot. The officer advised the suspect to stop or he would be tased, but the man refused. The officer used his taser, which ended the chase.

The suspect was identified as Gary Joseph Rokoci Jr., 26, of New Castle. Due to the overwhelming odor of alcohol emanating from Rokoci, he was taken to the Ellwood City Hospital for a blood draw and found above the legal limit.

Rokoci was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, reckless driving, and three counts of driving under the influence, including driving under the influence was operating privilege is suspended or revoked.

Man Charged with DUI

According to the criminal complaint, on Feb. 11 at approximately 1:35 a.m., investigating officers observed a vehicle continually swerve off the traffic lane while traveling east on Portersville Road. Officers pulled over the vehicle and identified the driver as Derick Victor Davare, 31, of Ellwood City. Davare smelled of alcohol and after failing a field sobriety test, was taken to the Ellwood City Hospital for a blood draw.

Davare was charged with two counts of DUI and disregarding traffic lane.

Bad Checks

According to the criminal complaint, on Sept. 19, 2017, Megan Louise Hoenig, 32, of Beaver Falls, issued a back check in the amount of $811.35 to the Ellwood City Animal Hospital. In January, the Lawrence County District Referral’s Office received a report of noncompliance from the bad check referral program. On Feb. 08, Hoenig was charged with issuing a bad check.