PITTSTON - A Pittston man arrested after being caught with a switchblade later jumped out of a police car and led police on a short foot chase before being recaptured.
Charles Bach Shafer, 25, of 17 Cliff St., is charged with escape and possessing an offensive weapon after his run-in with police Friday.
Officers contacted Mr. Shafer after he allegedly violated a protection-from-abuse order and found a spring-loaded switchblade in his back pocket, police said.
Police told him the knife was illegal and also a violation of his probation, then took him to Magisterial District Judge Joseph J. Carmody's office. The judge found him to be in violation of the restraining order and ordered him jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, police said.
Police led Mr. Shafer to a police cruiser for transport. As Exeter borough police Officer Joseph Schlagel let go of Mr. Shafer's arm to unlock the door, Mr. Shafer took off, police said.
Officer Schlagel called for backup and chased Mr. Shafer for a block until they rearrested the prisoner.
He was taken to Luzerne County Correctional Facility without further incident.
Records show Mr. Shafer has since posted bail. He has a preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. May 29.
Contact the writer: jhalpin@timesshamrock.com