Virginia Trooper Hurt During High-Speed Chase
May 21--A state trooper was treated in Reading Hospital after he was struck by a vehicle in Cumru Township during a chase early Sunday that reached speeds of more than 100 mph, investigators said.
The suspect, David N. Velazquez, 20, of the 2300 block of Reading Avenue, Spring Township, was charged with aggravated assault, driving under the influence and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
Troopers gave this account:
Troopers Kevin Masinick and Anthony Garipoli were driving east on Route 422 in Wyomissing shortly after 12:01 a.m. when they saw Velazquez's car drive onto the ramp to the West Shore Bypass and begin racing with another vehicle.
The troopers tried to pull over Velazquez, but he sped off on the bypass. The troopers chased him onto southbound Interstate 176, westbound Route 724 and southbound Route 10, before turning onto Freemansville Road.
Velazquez turned onto Horseshoe Lane and pulled into a private driveway, but the troopers followed and pulled in behind him.
As Garipoli tried to get out of the passenger side of the cruiser, Velazquez shifted into reverse, striking the front of the patrol car and injuring Garipoli.
Velazquez tried to flee north on Horseshoe Lane, but he drove into a grass field, where Masinick used his patrol car to stop Velazquez's car.
Velazquez was arraigned Sunday in Reading Central Court before District Judge Andrea Book.
He was committed to Berks County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.
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