Pocono News Section

Man Who Led Police on Wild Chase Sentenced

Man Who Led Police on Wild Chase Sentenced - Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 3:58PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Thursday, Jun 5, 2008 @ 03:58pm EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- A Hanover Township man behind a wild police chase finds out how long he'll spend behind bars.

Joseph Solomon hit people with cars, shot at people, and stayed on the run for four days. It all happened in March and April 2007.

Perhaps no one knows the horror of Joseph Solomon's police chase more than Kathy Hall of Clarksville. "Came at us head on, last possible second he side swiped our vehicle. Hit us a second time, got out of the car, put a gun to my head," says Hall.

Solomon pulled the trigger, but Hall ducked and sped off, with her teenage daughter in the car. Hall testified at Solomon's sentencing Thursday morning.

He'll spend at least the next 12 years in prison in connection with his chase. In March 2007, Solomon stole a garbage truck and Mercedes Benz. He rammed them into several cars, including a Fairview Township police cruiser. He injured a police officer who's still recovering today.

Nearly a dozen police departments went on the hunt for Solomon. Helicopters searched from the sky. He was found four days later, and eventually plead guilty.

Solomon's attorney Peter Moses says he shows remorse. "This was a potential suicide by cop endeavor on his part. Matter of fact I've heard accounts that when he was being shot at, he didn't think he had anything to live for," he said.

Before handing down the sentence, a Luzerne County judge says Solomon's parents should take some of the blame. A phycologist at the sentencing examined Solomon and called him a loner with a troubled past.

The Luzerne County District Attorney's office is pleased with the sentence. Assistant D. A. Jared Ferrentino says, "We feel and the victims feel in this case that it addresses the crimes, and will allow them to being to heal."

Hall and her family agrees. "All I can say is God was with us that night and I'm pleased and now I have closure and it's time to move on," says Hall.

Solomon could serve a maximum of 24 years in prison. 12 years is the minimum he'll serve. He also has to pay back money for doctor bills and car repairs for those involved.