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Wanted Man Arrested After Eluding Police For Hours

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NORTH HUNTINGDON (KDKA) - Police in Westmoreland County have arrested a wanted man that initially got away Sunday night.

After hours on the run, Willie Charles Johnson Jr., of Pittsburgh, says the reason is simple.

"Why did I run? I didn't want to go to jail. That's why I ran," said Johnson.

The 26-year-old knows it won't do him any favors. When asked if he knew he had warrants for his arrest, he put his head down.

"A book of them," he said.

Johnson now faces multiple charges out of Bethel Park and Allegheny County after a Sunday night incident involving North Huntingdon Police.

north huntingdon car
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

According to police, the officers spotted Johnson driving a reported stolen car and asked him to get out. Police say he refused and tried to speed away, pinning one of the officer's arms in the door and dragging him for a short distance.

Police say Johnson then ditched the car in someone's backyard on Roberta Drive in North Huntingdon Township and ran into the wooded area nearby.

Helicopters flew overhead throughout the night and K9s searched for his scent on the ground.

Officers eventually located him several hours later and arrested him.

Police linked the involved stolen car to a recent retail theft in Bethel Park.

One injured officer was treated at Forbes Hospital but should be OK. The second officer did not require treatment.

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