Man Heading To Trial For Police Chase, Jumping In Ohio River
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A man will stand trial after leading police on a chase and jumping in the Ohio River to try and get away.
James Williams' wife left court upset today after learning that her husband will face trial for a long list of charges including, escape, criminal trespassing, and aggravated assault.
They stem from an April 27 incident, where Williams is accused of leading police on a chase after first running a red light near Warrington Avenue and Route 51.
Officers ran the plates, found out the car was stolen and were waiting for him in the West End.
Today, Williams was in court for a preliminary hearing.
A Pittsburgh Police officer testified that Williams got out of the car, ran toward a salvage yard close to the river and hid in a basement. That officer said when he found Williams, he was hiding behind a set of shelves. At that time, Williams allegedly pushed the shelves onto him to get away.
Williams' wife says there's no way that's true.
"They're actually saying that one of these things were thrown on the officer. He don't know if it fell on the ground, or on him, but these things aren't gonna move," Toni Thornton said.
The defense tried to get the aggravated assault charge thrown out, saying the officer wasn't hurt. However, the judge upheld it.
"I just think most of the things should be taken off. The only case you have is a stolen car and eluding police. That's the only thing that should be on there now," Thornton said.
After Williams ran out of the salvage yard, he allegedly climbed a fence and then jumped into the Ohio River. He got caught on a rope and was picked up by River Rescue.
Williams was taken to Allegheny General Hospital to be checked out. Today, the officer who was there testified Williams took out his own IV before getting out of the hospital bed and running out the door.
Williams was caught a few blocks away still in his hospital gown.
Officers testified that while en route to the Allegheny County Jail he kept saying he needed to use the restroom, but the officer wasn't taking the chance and Williams relieved himself in the backseat.
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