By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Trying to escape police by running through a muddy field was probably not the best idea, especially since it required Michael Massey to appear before Judge Shane Leuthold in Crawford County Municipal Court Friday afternoon.
Massey, who hails from Meadville, Penn., was charged with having weapons under disability, a third-degree felony, and possessing a controlled substance (hydrocodone), a fifth-degree felony.
Assistant prosecutor Ryan Hoovler stated that Massey was pulled over by the Ohio State Highway Patrol on Ohio 4 near the intersection at Spore-Brandywine Road on May 5 for speeding. After pulling over, Massey allegedly tried to escape police by running off through a muddy field. It was not long before he surrendered to Crawford County Sheriff’s deputies, who responded to the scene and pursued Massey.
Hoovler stated that a large amount of heroin, a few Oxycodone pills, and a 9mm firearm were confiscated.
Massey had a lengthy felony history in Pennsylvania, according to Hoovler. The man was convicted of armed robbery in 2011 and may also have an aggravated robbery felony on his record, a fact that the court will investigate. Massey also had pending warrants from Crawford County, Penn.
“The fact that you ran from the cops, Mr. Massey, tends to make me think you’re not going to show up (if released),” Leuthold said.
The judge set bond at $200,000 despite Massey’s plea for leniency and appointed Brian Gernert as his attorney.
Massey could face up to four years in prison if found guilty on both charges – 36 months for having weapons under disability and 12 months for possessing a controlled substance.
RELATED CONTENT: Man caught running from traffic stop – gun and drugs found