Man charged after police station escape

A New York man was scheduled for a hearing today on charges stemming from a 2016 incident when he escaped from the police station.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by trooper Ronald Mercatili of the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop N, Lehighton:

On Sept. 3, 2016, Mercatili was traveling south on Route 903 following a black Honda Accord. A registration check showed the car was stolen out of Lehigh Township.

A traffic stop was conducted. The driver, Nelson Guaman, 37, handed over a fraudulent Pennsylvania driver’s license with the name Felix Melendez.

After the ID came back as fraudulent, Guaman revealed his real identity, and a check revealed that he was wanted for theft out of the New York City Police Department.

Mercatili saw Guaman’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and smelled burned marijuana from inside the vehicle. Guaman said he had smoked marijuana a few hours ago.

Three brown marijuana cigarettes were found in the front seat of the vehicle.

New York City Police Department approved extradition for Guaman.

In this case, Guaman faces charges of the controlled substance, drug, device and cosmetic act: prohibited acts, penalties; driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance; altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates; and receiving stolen property.

For these charges, he is incarcerated in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 bail, and is scheduled to have his preliminary hearing Wednesday before District Judge Eric M. Schrantz of Jim Thorpe.

Guaman was transported to the Troop N Lehighton barracks and was secured to a bench in the patrol room while Mercatili prepared a criminal complaint and affidavit charging Guaman.

At 11:11 p.m. Guaman was awaiting video arraigned by the on-duty magisterial district judge, when the panic button in the garage activated.

Guaman opened the garage door and ran out the door into a wooded area behind the barracks.

In this case, Guaman faces charges of escape and flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment.

For these charges, he is incarcerated in the Carbon County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail, and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing May 1 before District Judge William Kissner of Palmerton.