Another Felony Alleged Against Reckless Templeton Driver
Askey
by Jonathan Weaver
Another felony charge has been added to the list of offenses against a Templeton woman who fled from Pennsylvania State Police troopers and took them on a 12-mile long vehicle pursuit earlier this month.
In addition to 11 other charges, State Police at the Kittanning barracks have added a felony criminal mischief charge against Margaretta Askey.
Police allege that Askey intentionally caused more than $7,200 in damage to a State-issued 2014 Ford Taurus police cruiser during the January 7 incident.
The chase began after troopers witnessed Askey, 31, traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of State Route 422.
From Manor Township through Clearfield Township in Butler County, two State units pursued Askey’s vehicle at speeds up to 95 miles per hour until Askey crashed.
At one point in West Franklin Township, investigating officer Trooper Brian Wolfe noted in his information release that Askey intentionally steered her 2006 Ford Freestyle SUV into the side of one of the pursuing State Police units.
During the approximately 10-minute pursuit - all on the wrong side of a divided highway - , no State Police troopers or members of the public were injured, though 18 vehicles were noted as victims in addition to the four pursuing troopers.
Askey was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh for injuries she sustained during the vehicle crash.
She will be charged with aggravated assault, fleeing and eluding police, driving under the influence, recklessly endangering another person and several other summary violations.
State Police later said Askey’s drivers license was suspended or revoked and was driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Askey waived her right to a preliminary hearing before District Magisterial Judge Gary DeComo, but remains incarcerated in the Armstrong County Jail.
Local News | jweaver January 25, 2016
