Chase on Route 191 ends with crash into passing car, injuring driver, troopers say

A high-speed chase Wednesday on Route 191 in Northampton County ended in a crash into a passing vehicle, injuring the other driver, Pennsylvania State Police said.

Dequon Bonner, of Brooklyn, was arrested after running away from the crash scene in Lower Nazareth Township, troopers said. His two passengers also tried to run away, state police said.

The 24-year-old Bonner now faces 18 criminal charges, including aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, accidents involving injuries and fleeing police.

Bonner was sent to Northampton County Prison after failing to post $100,000 bail, records show.

The other driver struck in the crash suffered a brain bleed, a cut above his left eye and injury to his leg, state police said. Route 191 was closed Wednesday for the crash and ensuing investigation.

State police said a trooper in a marked police vehicle began following Bonner a little after 10 a.m. on Route 22 while he was driving a rented white Chrysler 300 with a Virginia license plate.

When Bonner took the exit for Route 191 North in Bethlehem Township, the trooper put on his lights and sirens for a traffic stop, court papers say.

Bonner is accused of taking off northbound on Route 191. Troopers said he repeatedly drove into oncoming traffic and ran two red traffic lights as he headed into Lower Nazareth Township, almost hitting other cars and a LANTA bus, and running other vehicles off the road.

Bonner crashed into a blue Volkswagen Passat that was traveling south on Route 191 at the intersection with Christian Springs Road in Lower Nazareth, state police said. The Chrysler then hit a utility pole on the side of the road.

Bonner ran away, while two passengers also tried to flee, according to troopers. State police said they chased Bonner around a nearby home and across Route 191, ordering him to stop.

Bonner was arrested after a trooper used a Taser on him. Bonner had four plastic bags of marijuana on him, according to troopers, and exhibited signs of marijuana use including bloodshot eyes.

Bonner was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital-Anderson campus for a medical evaluation and a blood draw, state police said.

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Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.