Police: Jefferson Township man flees officers

DICKSON CITY — A Jefferson Township man stopped for a counterfeit inspection sticker, attempted to elude police by jumping over a concrete barrier, according to a criminal complaint.

But instead of getting away from police officers, Eric William Smith, 45, of 587 Cortez Road, ended up unconscious, making it necessary for officers to call for medical assistance, the complaint states.

Smith is charged with flight to avoid apprehension, evading arrest, recklessly endangering others, obstructing justice and driving with a suspended license.

According to the affidavit, Officer Matthew Gallagher was on patrol on Scranton Carbondale Highway, when he spotted Smith in a Ford Explorer driving with a counterfeit inspection and emissions sticker.

Gallagher pulled Smith over near Summit Point and approached him in the driver's seat.

Smith was immediately aggressive and said he was driving someone else's vehicle, police said.

Gallagher removed the stickers from the window, which had no security seal and were the wrong color.

Officers ordered Smith from the car and spoke to him as he was standing at the rear of his vehicle. Smith told officers he owed child support. Officers determined he had a warrant out for his arrest, the complaint states.

When officers told Smith to put his hands behind his back to handcuff him, Smith yelled, "no" and started running toward the Viewmont Mall, police said.

Gallagher then tased Smith, who continued to run.

Smith jumped over a concrete barrier and landed prone and unconscious, charges state.

Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene to assist Smith.

When Smith regained consciousness he continued to resist officers, police said. He was treated by paramedics.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. on July 24 before District Judge George Seig. Smith remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $20,000 bail.