Driver fails to move over, nearly strikes officer and then flees from police, cops say

A driver failed to move over for a police officer handling a traffic stop along Route 30 last month and nearly struck him, according to Northern York County Regional Police.   

And after police pulled over the driver, later identified as Miquez Raheem Desmond Johnson, he took off and led police on a pursuit, an affidavit of probable cause states.

Johnson, 24, of the 1100 block of Skyview Drive in Manchester Township, has been charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police, possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use, and numerous traffic citations.

He was committed to York County Prison in lieu of $100,000 bail, according to court records.

Police were handling a traffic stop along Route 30 near Toronita Street in Manchester Township on the night of April 20 when a small blue Ford Fusion failed to move over or slow down while passing.

The car, which was in the right lane, "almost struck Ofc. Emenheiser as he exited his vehicle," the affidavit states.

Another officer, who was assisting with the traffic stop, stopped the Ford Fusion a short distance away.

The officer said he could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and asked Johnson where it was. Johnson handed the officer a joint from the center console, the affidavit states.

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Johnson told police that he has a disability and could not walk, but said he would be able to get out and sit on the trunk. The officer noticed that he had a cane beside him. 

When police backup arrived, a passenger in the car stepped outside for police to conduct a vehicle check. While police attempted to pat down the passenger, Johnson drove away, the affidavit states.

Police pursued the Ford Fusion. It passed two vehicles while heading south on Loucks Mill Road. Johnson almost struck a vehicle in the oncoming lane, the affidavit states.

Johnson drove at a high rate of speed through a residential neighborhood and failed to stop for at a stop sign.

Police terminated the pursuit at that point and later filed charges. He was arrested over the weekend, according to court documents.