Police: Car Thief Led Police on Chase Through Haverford

A Philadelphia man was arrested on suspicion of auto theft in Haverford earlier this month, but not before police say he led them on a protracted foot chase through the township.

Alex Smith, 18, faces charges of receiving stolen property, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, theft by unlawful taking, unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, fleeing and eluding, DUI, speeding, and driving with a license.

According to court documents, on December 2 on the 900 block of East Township Line Road, a Haverford Township Police officer saw a grey Jetta traveling 78 mph in a 35 mph zone. When the officer pulled the vehicle over, Smith, the driver, fled car, leaving his girlfriend behind.

The officer set after the man on foot, but after Smith hopped a fence, crossed the golf course, hopped another fence, and set off on Chatham Drive in the direction of Myrtle Road, the officer lost him.

When he returned to his patrol car, Smith’s girlfriend was gone. The officer also learned that the Jetta had been reported stolen out of Philadelphia.

While another Haverford officer was checking the area, he was stopped by a driver who told him that a man matching Smith’s description had waved him down and asked him for a ride. The officer then found Smith riding a bicycle that he later admitted he had stolen from the front yard of one of the home’s he passed.

Smith was also found to be in possession of marijuana.

Smith was arrested, arraigned, and released on $20,000 bond. He faces preliminary hearing on January 17.