A Pennsylvania man faces a host of charges after allegedly leading police on a high speed chase across multiple counties.
According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department, dispatch was notified Wednesday morning (12/11/2024) that THP was in pursuit of a vehicle traveling westbound on I-40 near the 345 mile marker. A Cumberland County Deputy picked up the pursuit at Exit 322 and was soon joined by other units. The suspect vehicle, a white Hyundai 4-door sedan, got off at Crossville Exit 317 and turned north onto Highway 127. As it traveled over 110 mile per hour, it almost hit one vehicle head-on, ran several others off the road and almost hit a worker doing traffic control.
In Fentress County, the suspect attempted to turn onto Highway 62 in Clarkrange when he hit a light pole. Deputies moved in to block the suspect, who backed up and rammed a Cumberland County cruiser before taking off north on 127 toward Jamestown. Still going over 100 miles per hour, the suspect lost control in a curve and crashed into another vehicle.
Fentress County Deputies removed 28-year-old Matthew Schlief from the vehicle and placed him under arrest.
In Cumberland County, Schlief is charged with 4-counts of Felony Reckless Endangerment, Felony Evading and Aggravated Assault on an Officer. He will also be charged in Fentress County and by the THP.
Authorities say Matthew Schlief is also wanted out of Pennsylvania for pending felony gun charges and violating probation by cutting off an ankle monitor.