Published Thursday, Jan. 21, 1999 Terry Lee McNelis, formerly of Connellsville, Pa., was in Mercer County Jail today after failing to post $100,000 bond.
He was arraigned on charges of receiving stolen property, aggravated assault, theft, recklessly endangering another person and burglary before District Justice James McMahon, Sharon.
Police said McNelis was driving a stolen 1990 Ford Festiva on Interstate 80 near Mercer when he was spotted by a trooper, who attempted to pull the car over. When McNelis wouldn't stop, police said, they attempted a forced stop and the car crashed into the back of a police cruiser.
Police said McNelis left the car and ran across the interstate, heading to Cribbs Road. During the chase, McNelis pulled out a .380-caliber handgun and fired into the ground, police said.
Police said he continued to run until he stole a pickup truck from a driveway which he crashed on Parker Road. Police said he ran into a house where he stole a coat.
McNelis ran into a field on Hall and Parker roads behind the home where Mercer police Sgt. Jack Hite, who had joined in the chase, spotted McNelis holding a pistol, police said. As the policeman told him drop the gun, police said McNelis made a "furtive" movement and Hite shot at him. McNelis wasn't hurt and dropped to the ground and was arrested, police said.
McNelis was wanted by police for robbery in Evans City in Butler County.
