An Erie man wanted by Millcreek Township police for assault in a reported road rage incident in late August was caught late Friday afternoon, according to city police, after leading officers on a high-speed pursuit from Erie into Millcreek.
Michael A. Rogers, 30, was charged on Saturday with felony escaping police and flight to escape apprehension, misdemeanor causing an accident, and many summary traffic offenses during the pursuit. According to court documents, he was also charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and harassment in connection with the alleged Millcreek road rage incident.
Rogers is accused by Erie police of escaping an attempted traffic stop in an incident that began Friday around 5:30 p.m. in the 2100 block of West Eighth Street.
According to authorities, someone spotted Rogers, who they knew was sought in the Millcreek assault case, and contacted Erie police. When authorities attempted to stop the vehicle Rogers was allegedly driving near Frontier Park, it sped away, Deputy Chief Rick Lorah said Monday.
Lorah said a pursuit occurred, traveling across parts of the city and onto Interstate 79 at speeds topping 90 mph. Rogers’ vehicle departed the highway at Kearsarge and went west on Interchange Road, where it collided with a sport-utility vehicle at Zuck Road, knocking the SUV into a police vehicle, according to Lorah.
Rogers went into the woods and removed part of his clothing before being captured by cops. Lorah reported that a woman who was with Rogers was also arrested.
Rogers was wanted in Millcreek for allegedly attacking another guy on August 30 in the 2600 block of West 38th Street. A motorcyclist who claimed Rogers nearly hit him with his vehicle began following Rogers’ vehicle, and when the motorcyclist approached Rogers, he was attacked in the face, knocked to the ground, and then punched again, Millcreek police said on Monday.
Police said the victim damaged his nose and fractured his facial bones.
On Saturday, Rogers was arraigned On two counts, each with a bond of $20,000. His criminal docket documents did not list him as having a lawyer.