Suspect fled hospital, police say

Sharon police have a warrant for the man’s arrest.

STAFF REPORT

SHARON, Pa. — A man who fought violently with police after a chase and a car wreck Sunday fled St. Elizabeth Health Center on Tuesday, Sharon Police Chief Michael Menster said.

Kevin Washington Jr., 49, of Pennsylvania Avenue in Farrell, is facing two aggravated-assault charges on police officers, one for almost wrecking head-on into a police cruiser and one for spitting blood into an officer’s face.

He also is facing charges of fleeing and eluding, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and eight traffic violations.

Monday’s chase began at 7 p.m. at New Castle and Malleable streets, and went through south Sharon, into Farrell and back into Sharon. Washington forced a police car onto the sidewalk on Spruce Avenue, then wrecked head-on into a tree on Prindle Street, Menster said.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 300-pound Washington got out of his car and struggled with five officers in the middle of the street. A stun gun and pepper spray had no effect on him, Menster said.

Washington was bleeding from the accident and spit blood into the officer’s face at that time, Menster said. All five police officers involved in the arrest have to undergo testing under department protocol for exposure to blood and bodily fluids, he said.

Washington was admitted Sunday to St. Elizabeth’s, and Sharon police were waiting for the hospital to clear him medically before pursuing the charges on a warrant.

He would have been taken to the Mahoning County Jail to await extradition there, Menster said.

Menster said he wasn’t sure what time Washington left the hospital. His department was notified at noon. Youngstown police are looking for him, Menster said.