Jim Thorpe man takes police on vehicle chase

A Jim Thorpe man was charged with driving under the influence after he led police on a chase through the borough of Jim Thorpe on Christmas Eve.

According to Chief Joseph Schatz, an off-duty officer contacted borough police to report a Jeep driving erratically.

Officers then observed the Jeep, driven by Charles Skupien of 102 Indian Trail Drive, driving along the 400 block of North Street. When the officer tried to initiate a traffic stop, Skupien refused to pull over.

A pursuit occurred along North Street and continued halfway up Kattner's Mountain, Route 903, where officers were able to detain Skupien's vehicle and take him into custody.

He was taken to Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital, Lehighton, where he refused a blood test to determine his blood-alcohol content.

He was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, resisting arrest, accident involving damage to unattended vehicles or property, driving vehicle at safe speed, driving on right side of roadway, reckless driving, careless driving, and persistent disorderly conduct.

Skupien was arraigned before District Judge Bruce Appleton in Palmerton, where bail was set at $2,000 straight bail, which he was able to post.