NEW CASTLE Man injured in crash faces many charges

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A man involved in a car accident in February is just now facing a series of charges in Lawrence County.
Police said the decision to file charges was being handled by the Lawrence County district attorney's office, and they could not explain the 10-month delay. District Attorney Matthew Mangino could not be reached this morning to elaborate on the delay.
Andre Joseph, 24, of Duquesne, Pa., was charged today with carrying a firearm without a license; illegal possession, use, manufacture, control or sell of firearms; altering or obliterating markings on a firearm; possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer's number; recklessly endangering another person; fleeing or attempting to elude police; criminal mischief; accidents involving death or personal injury while not properly licensed; reckless driving; failing to obey traffic signals; and seven counts of failing to obey stop signs and yield signs.
Crash
Police said Joseph was seriously injured Feb. 16 after he crashed into a trash receptacle on the 100 block of Grant Street after a police chase. They later learned he was wanted on a warrant in Duquesne on charges of attempted criminal homicide.
Police said they attempted to stop Joseph at 4:19 a.m. because the 1999 Cadillac he was driving had a burned-out light, but Joseph led officers on a 1.9-mile chase through the lower north hill.
Authorities said Joseph and a 15-year-old passenger were seriously hurt in the crash. The passenger does not face any charges, they said.
Police report that they found a handgun with the serial number scratched off on Joseph after the accident, as well as a bulletproof vest, ski mask and other items.