14 June 2023- A Long Island man is facing a slew of charges after allegedly leading Pennsylvania State Police Troopers down I-81, through Franklin County back roads, then crashing the wrong way on an exit ramp. Stefan Ashton Hill is charged with felony fleeing an officer, misdemeanor evading arrest on foot, three counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment, misdemeanor false ID to law enforcement, and multiple traffic offenses. Hill failed to post bail and is incarcerated in Franklin County Jail.
Around 11am on June 13th, Pennsylvania State Police were watching traffic on I-81NB near mile marker 8 when they allegedly spotted a car driving fast, weaving through traffic, and using the berm to pass vehicles on the highway. According to police, the black Toyota Corolla with New York plates almost caused multiple accidents. It was at this point that Troopers pulled into traffic and tried to execute a traffic stop on the car.
When emergency lights were flipped on, the Corolla allegedly continued to accelerate and weave more through traffic. The car then allegedly moved up on the right berm and passed a tractor trailer, accelerating to over 100 mph. After trying to exit the interstate at Wayne Avenue, the Corolla failed to negotiate the turn and drove through the grass median towards the ramp onto 81NB again. Troopers tried a PIT maneuver, but the car spun 180 degrees and went the wrong way down the onramp onto Wayne Avenue.
Speeding onto Garber Road, Cider Press Road, then eventually Falling Spring Road, the car allegedly reached speeds of 80mph. After turning off Falling Spring and onto Lincoln Way East, the Corolla allegedly tried to get back onto I81NB at the exit 16 ramp. Failing to get grip on his wheels, the Corolla spun around and crashed into guard rails on the ramp.
The driver, now known to be Stefan Hill, allegedly fled on foot towards the Days Inn at Falling Spring and Lincoln Way. Hill tried to cross a creek behind the hotel but was taken into custody. When taken into custody, Hill allegedly said his name was Stephan Hill, DOB 12/28/97. After fingerprinting, Hill was found to be Stefan Hill, DOB 12/21/97. When finding Hill’s correct name, it was discovered he had a warrant for his arrest and extradition to New York.
During the pursuit, it was found three passengers were in the car with Hill. Subsequent interviews with them saw that none of them wanted to be participating in the chase, hence the reckless endangerment charges.
Hill failed to post bail of $75,000. His preliminary hearing is set for June 20th.
Sources: Docket Number: MJ-39302-CR-0000243-2023, Incident Number: PA 2023-787538
