Township man charged for leaving accident scene

Township man charged for leaving accident scene

AUSTINTOWN — A two-car accident Sunday night turned into a police chase and the use of a canine officer to stop an armed township man fleeing the scene.

Police charged Thomas James, 47, of Tulane Avenue with obstructing justice and carrying a concealed weapon. He was taken to the Mahoning County Jail from where he was later released on an unspecified bond. He will have a hearing at later date.

Police were called out to 3345 S. Raccoon Road near the intersection with Kirk Road at 6:20 p.m. to investigate the accident, but when a police arrived he was informed that one of the passengers involved, later identified as James, had fled the scene on foot, traveling southbound on Raccoon Road, and that he had a gun.

A few minutes into the officer’s search, James emerged from a wooded area on his own, at which point the officer was able to detain him. When questioned about the gun, James denied having it so the officer requested a canine cop.

The dog was able to locate the gun underneath a small pile of grass clippings.