MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Parkersburg man is in jail on $25,000 bail after leading police on a chase in and around Morgantown Monday evening.
Westover police began the pursuit near the J.C. Penny’s store at the Morgantown Mall at around 5 p.m. after getting calls about a shoplifting suspect. Units from Westover maintained contact with the suspect, later identified as Daniel Mackey, 36, of Parkersburg, as he turned onto Green Bag Road heading in the direction of Sabraton in Morgantown.
That portion of the pursuit was terminated due to traffic congestion.
State police troopers picked the pursuit up in Sabraton and observed Mackey take the I-68 eastbound ramp toward Cheat Lake. When police attempted a traffic stop on I-68, Mackey allegedly fled at a high rate of speed. State police terminated the pursuit again when Mackey crossed the median and began driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-68 near the 7 mile marker.
MECCA-911 officials continued to receive calls about Mackey driving recklessly after the second pursuit was terminated, authorities said.
Mackey was later spotted near Willey Street in Morgantown. He ran from his vehicle when police pulled up. Mackey was captured in the 1100 block of Chalfant Lane after a short foot pursuit.
Police say Mackey had more than $1,800 worth of merchandise in the vehicle when the arrest was made.
Mackey has been charged with fleeing with reckless indifference. Additional charges are expected. He’s being held in the North Central Regional Jail.