Police: Scranton man leads police on chase through three counties

SCRANTON — A Scranton man led police on a high-speed chase early Sunday after taking his girlfriend’s car without permission, according to a criminal complaint. Brandon Fox, 25, of 2442 Hermans Ave., is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Here is what police say happened: At about 11 p.m. on March 29, Alexus Swingle contacted state police, indicating her Ford Fusion was stolen from a location in Blooming Grove Twp.



, Pike County. Troopers determined the incident was an “unauthorized use.” Just after midnight, Swingle learned Fox was driving her vehicle somewhere in Wayne County.

She drove there and again called 911. As state police troopers from Blooming Grove were driving to her location, they spotted Fox speeding on Route 402. Troopers followed Fox to Interstate 84 West and attempted to stop him, but he fled.

State police then pursued Fox from Interstate 84 to Interstate 380 to Interstate 81 South. Fox continued speeding down 81 and eventually entered Scranton. Because Fox was driving recklessly, troopers decided to perform a PIT maneuver in the 1100 block of Swetland Street.

A PIT maneuver, or Precision Immobilization Technique, is a police tactic used to stop a fleeing vehicle, in which a police vehicle makes contact with the rear corner of a suspect’s car forcing it to stop. Troopers were able to stop the vehicle, but Fox began to flee on foot. Officers, however, were able to subdue Fox and arrest him.

Swingle told state police Fox had taken her vehicle without permission, although he had permission to use the vehicle in the past. Fox had multiple warrants out for his arrest on charges including assault, according to the criminal complaint. He remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $2,500 bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on April 9 before District Judge Joanne Corbett.

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