State police cruiser
(The Patriot-News/file)
HARRISBURG — An Amish man who led state police on a chase that hit speeds of up to 120 mph through northern Dauphin County was sentenced to 2 years of probation after pleading guilty to multiple charges Wednesday.
Sylvan M. Stoltzfus wasn't driving a buggy during the pursuit. And no, he didn't have a really fast horse, either.
He was driving a car.
But his lawyer, Gary Lysaght, said the 19-year-old Millersburg-area man won't be getting behind a steering wheel again.
"His parents sold his car," Lysaght told county President Judge Todd A. Hoover. "He now has his own horse and buggy."
Lysaght and Deputy District Attorney Jack Canavan said they didn't know why Stoltzfus even had a car. The Amish generally shun automobiles and many other modern technological conveniences, although young people are allowed to explore the non-Amish world before formally joining the church.
Stoltzfus, who stood before the judge in traditional black and gray Amish garb, said nothing during his plea hearing.
Canavan said the chase began around 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 on Route 209 near Elizabethville, when state police tried to pull Stoltzfus over because his car's license plate was obscured. Stoltzfus sped away and was finally stopped near the Millersburg post office, where he crashed into a parked vehicle, fire hydrant and street sign, the prosecutor said.
"He had to be removed from the vehicle at gunpoint," Canavan said.
"When he got to Millersburg he did slow down," Lysaght said.
Hoover voiced concern over the danger Stoltzfus' actions posed for other motorists, some of whom had to dodge off the road to get out of his way.
Hoover imposed the probation term after Stoltzfus pleaded guilty to charges of fleeing police and reckless endangerment, plus speeding and several other traffic violations. Lysaght said Stoltzfus has paid restitution, including $836 to the Millersburg Area Authority for the damaged hydrant.
His client isn't likely to get in trouble again, he said. "He's more involved in the church than he ever was before," Lysaght said.