A Johnstown man was detained after police claimed he led them on a high-speed chase that concluded with him attempting to flee into the woods.
Paul Vidra, 53, was detained on April 14 when officers went to his last known address to execute a warrant. When officers arrived, they were greeted by a female who informed them that she was allowing Virda to stay with her for the time being, according to the criminal complaint. During the chat, a maroon Jeep passed past the house, and the female informed police that Virda was the driver.
The police returned to their trucks and attempted to halt the Jeep. Vidra allegedly continued driving, disregarding many posted stop signs and refusing to stop when authorities activated their lights and sirens. Vidra allegedly stopped at a stop sign, and a man exited the Jeep from the passenger side.
According to the complaint, officers expected Vidra to exit the vehicle as well; but, once the passenger exited, Vidra continued to drive. Vidra allegedly continued driving past marked stop signs before turning onto Route 56 East.
While driving on Route 56, officers used the car’s loudspeaker to instruct Vidra to stop and pull over. He allegedly failed to do so and continued on Route 219 Northbound, where officers observed Vidra reaching speeds of 95 mph, according to the affidavit.
During the pursuit, a Richland Township officer attempted to pass Vidra in the left lane. Police say he swerved into the officer’s lane, causing the cruiser to go off the road and nearly collide with another vehicle parked on Route 219.
The pursuit was subsequently called off for safety reasons, with deputies proceeding in the same direction as Vidra without using emergency lights or sirens. Shortly later, a person called officers to report that a man was disoriented and asked for directions to Cherry Tree, where police knew Vidra lived.
The caller also informed cops that Vidra was apparently strolling across fields near their home. According to the complaint, officers arrived to find the maroon Jeep parked in a nearby driveway. During the hunt, cops received a second complaint from another homeowner who reported seeing Vidra racing through the woods on their land.
Police then began investigating the area mentioned by the second caller, when they allegedly saw Vidra rushing through the woods. Officers pursued Vidra through the woods until he stopped along a trail and was apprehended.
During a check of Vidra, authorities discovered the keys to the maroon Jeep, at which point he allegedly told officers that the car had run out of gas.
Vidra is now facing felony accusations including aggravated assault, escaping or attempting to dodge an officer, flight to avoid arrest, and other connected offenses. He is in the Cambria County Prison after failing to pay 10% of his $150,000 bond.
The preliminary hearing is slated for May 1.
