Cambria Co., PA (WJAC) — Authorities in Cambria County say a Beaverdale man is behind bars after leading police on a high-speed chase Monday afternoon while driving a stolen vehicle.
According to the affidavit, Summerhill Township Police received a report of a stolen white Chevy around 3:30 p.m. Monday.
Police say the theft had reportedly occurred at a convenience store along Cedar Street in Beaverdale.
Authorities say the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Stephen Perla, was spotted on Rager's Hill Road, in Adams Township, and a pursuit was initiated.
Police say Perla allegedly led officers onto Frankstown Road, in Conemaugh Township, Cambria County, and down into the city of Johnstown.
Authorities say during the chase, Perla reportedly drove the wrong way down Main Street in downtown Johnstown, before turning onto Route 56 and traveling towards Broad Street.
Police say Perla then turned left onto Fairfield Avenue and continued onto Saint Clair Road, before turning onto Menoher Blvd.
Authorities say, at this point, Perla then drove into someone's backyard and continued to drive through three yards before traveling back onto Route 271.
Police say he then began traveling towards Ligonier, passing multiple vehicles as he continued to drive at a high-rate of speed.
Authorities say the chase eventually ended, approximately 4 hours later, when Perla came to an area where Route 271 was closed and attempted to turn onto a side road.
Police say Perla lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree.
Authorities say Perla refused to follow officers' commands and was taken into custody after being tased and with the assist of a police K9.
Police say Perla was transported to Conemaugh Hospital for treatment before being released back into police custody.
According to online court records. Perla was arraigned Tuesday morning on multiple counts of reckless endangerment, as well as theft and fleeing police charges.
He is being held at the Cambria County Prison on $30,000 bail.
Editor's note: A previous version of this story included a mugshot that was not that of Stephen Perla. 6 News was notified by police that the prison had sent us the wrong mugshot. We have contacted the prison for the correct mugshot of Stephen Perla and have since replaced it in the story.
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