Crime & Safety

Drunk Driver Crashes, Leads Officer on Chase, Police Say

According to Phoenixville Police, the man nearly hit several pedestrians during the pursuit.

A 25-year-old Phoenixville man is in Chester County Prison after police say he crashed into a car while intoxicated and then fled the scene, leading police on a car chase that devolved into a foot race the defendant eventually lost.

According to court documents, on February 10 at 12:15 a.m. a Phoenixville Police officer on patrol heard a loud screech in the area of Main Street and Prospect Street and saw a silver Hyundai rear end a car that was sitting at a stop sign.

The Hyundai peeled away from the scene and the patrol car followed it.

Find out what's happening in Phoenixvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The officer activated its lights, but the Hyundai continued on, making a left on to Main Street and a right on to Church. The vehicle then made a left into Phoenixville Federal Savings—nearly hitting several pedestrians in the process—before its driver hopped out of the car and tried to run off. The chase was a short one.

Subscribe to our free daily newsletter | Follow us on Facebook | Follow us @PxvPatch

Find out what's happening in Phoenixvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The driver of the Hyundai was apprehended and identified as Mynor Leonidas Lopez-Perez, 25. Lopez-Perez smelled like alcohol, slurred his speech, and had difficulty staying on his feet.

He was arrested and charged with fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, three counts of DUI, an accident involving damage to an attended vehicle, driving without a license, and careless driving. He faces preliminary hearing on February 14.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.