Police: New Castle Man Caught After Extended Chase from Ellwood to Zelienople

A New Castle man was apprehended by Ellwood City police after an extended car chase Saturday night from Ellwood to the Zelienople Airport.

Wesley Jay Cox, 34, of New Castle, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, fleeing police, reckless endangerment, accident causing damage to property, driving while suspended and reckless driving.

The incident began around 9 p.m. on April 16 when an officer observed a Nissan Altima traveling in the vicinity of Plum Way and Spring Avenue. Because of reports of narcotics activity in the area, the officer followed the vehicle and ran a license plate check which revealed expired registration.

The officer conducted a traffic stop in the B&B Express parking lot, and the driver was identified as Cox. Cox had a Nevada identification card but not a driver’s license.

Due to a suspicious looking pill bottle and Cox’s apparent attempts to hide it, the officer asked Cox to leave the vehicle. Instead, Cox rolled up his window and drove away at an accelerated rate.

The officer requested backup and chased Cox to Route 288. The chase continued to Fombell Road and Furnace Road, where Cox returned to Route 288 near the Zelienople Air Port and drove back to Ellwood City. During the chase, officers observed Cox driving at rates in excess of 100 miles per hour.

At Crescent Avenue and Second Street, Cox exited his vehicle while it was still in motion. His car struck a residence, causing some damage. A Franklin Township officer apprehended Cox in a backyard after a brief foot pursuit.

Cox’s person and vehicle were searched and the following items confiscated:

• 14.1 gram of suspected crack cocaine in a baggie
• $514 on his person
• $103 from his vehicle
• $95 in his wallet
• three cell phones
• 19 baggies containing 3.3 grams of suspected heroin

Cox was arraigned by District Magistrate Jerry Cartwright and placed in the Lawrence County Jail on $50,000 bond.