Two Downvalley men are facing charges after a routine traffic stop turned into a foot chase in which one of the runners tried to eat marijuana, Scranton police said.
Police pulled over Justin Kutch, 22, 553 Hickory St. Old Forge, and Nicholas Ward, 26, 615 Hooven St., Duryea, on the 500 block of North Main Avenue around 12:15 p.m. Thursday.
Mr. Kutch took off on foot and Officer William Golden chased him. As Mr. Kutch was running he was dumping marijuana on the ground but was also trying to eat some, acting Police Chief Carl Graziano said. During the chase, Officer Golden fell down a hill and separated his shoulder.
Mr. Kutch was apprehended just over the Taylor border, where police found marijuana on him. Mr. Ward also fled and was apprehended quickly as well.
When police searched the car, they found an undisclosed amount of marijuana, Capt. Glen Thomas said.
An assistant district attorney approved charges for possession of a small amount and possession of paraphernalia for both of them, Capt. Thomas said. Mr. Kutch faces additional charges of resisting arrest and destruction of evidence. Neither had been arraigned on the charges Friday night.
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