Accident turns into chase, ends in arrest

AUSTINTOWN — A two-car accident Sunday night turned into a police chase with 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 officer 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.