A Farrell man who pleaded guilty to escape and reckless endangerment charges has been sentenced to time in a state prison.

Maurice Lamont Atwood, 34, of 1110 Hamilton Ave., pleaded guilty Jan. 15 to felony escape,, reckless endangerment, fleeing police and two counts of endangering children.

Police said Atwood was arrested Sept. 1 by a Weed and Seed patrol on Spearman Avenue in Farrell. Atwood was wanted by the state police for escaping from a halfway house in August.

When police approached Atwood's car, he threw it in reverse, almost striking a policeman, police said.

Atwood, with two children in the car, led police on a short chase before he was caught, police said.

Several days later, Atwood escaped from Sharon police custody while he was smoking a cigarette outside of the police station.

He was found several hours later, hiding in some bushes in the 400 block of Ohio Street, police said.

Atwood faces a total of 18 months to 4 years in prison.

Atwood was sentenced to 1 to 3 years for the most serious charge, escape; 3 to 6 months for reckless endangerment; 3 to 6 months for endangering a child; and must pay a $500 fine for fleeing police. He was given credit for 185 days served.

The sentences must be served consecutively.