A Reading man is facing multiple charges after Pennsylvania State Police said he led troopers on a high-speed pursuit through northern Berks County before crashing into a soybean field in Maidencreek Township earlier this month.
According to a Pennsylvania State Police public information release, the incident began around 1:32 a.m. on May 18 when troopers from the Reading Patrol Unit attempted to stop a vehicle for multiple traffic violations on Park Road in Ontelaunee Township.
Police said the driver failed to stop, leading troopers on a pursuit that reached speeds of approximately 120 mph in Maidencreek Township while traveling northbound on Park Road. The pursuit continued through Fleetwood Borough at speeds of about 95 mph, according to the release.
Authorities said the vehicle later turned onto School Road, where it suddenly veered right and entered a soybean field, causing significant damage to agricultural property owned by a 63-year-old Fleetwood man.
Troopers then used Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuvers to disable the vehicle and take the driver into custody, police said.
State police identified the driver as Kueon Diedrick, 36, of Reading.
According to the release, Diedrick was charged with fleeing and eluding police, agricultural vandalism, suspicion of DUI, and 14 additional traffic violations connected to the pursuit. Police also noted that Diedrick fled from Reading City Police officers prior to state police initiating the pursuit.
State police said separate charges were filed by Pennsylvania State Police and the Reading Police Department. Diedrick has since posted bail, and additional court proceedings are expected.
The investigation remains ongoing.