PA Advances Bill To Make Fleeing From Police Illegal

HARRISBURG, PA — The state Senate has approved a bill that would make it illegal to flee from police and establish an additional criminal charge if a police dog is injured in the pursuit. The measure now goes to the House for consideration.

The bill was drafted in response to the 2015 death of Scranton police Officer John Wilding, who fell to his death while chasing three teenagers suspected of armed robbery. It's modeled after a similar law in Texas, said independent Sen. John Yudichak of Luzerene County, who introduced the measure.

"When individuals flee from police officers attempting to lawfully place them under arrest, they create a risk of harm not just to police but to innocent bystanders and themselves," Yudichak said. "This bill (attempts) to address that."

The penalty for fleeing would be based on how serious the crime is for which they are pursued.

Someone facing a summary charge would face an additional one if no one is injured in the pursuit. If someone, including a police officer, is hurt or killed during the chase, the penalty is a second-degree felony.

"Wilding was a respected member of the community and a rising star in Scranton’s police force," Yudichak said. "His life was cut tragically short and it highlighted the need for additional protections needed by our brave policemen and women pursuing suspects on foot."

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