Police Chase Lands Newry Man Behind Bars

A Newry man is behind bars after leading police on a chase in a car reported stolen.

According to charges filed by Freedom Township police, on Oct. 23, an officer was on patrol along Dunnings Highway and Commerce Drive when he spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Hollidaysburg. When police pulled up beside the alleged stolen vehicle, the driver, later identified as Ray G. Barefoot Jr., 26, attempted to conceal his face with a mask. Police said when they ordered Barefoot out of the vehicle at gunpoint, he sped off and drove at a high rate of speed south on Dunnings Highway.

Officers from Greenfield Township and Roaring Spring Borough joined the pursuit which took police up Johnstown Road before ending in the area of Harker Road and Nelson Lane, Freedom Township. According to police, the chase lasted approximately four miles.

Police ordered Barefoot and a female passenger out of the vehicle at gunpoint and placed them in custody. Police said Barefoot had a suspended driver's license and was wanted on warrants through the Blair County Sheriff's Office.

Police said when they went to turn the engine off in Barefoot's vehicle, they discovered a torch style lighter and multiple Crown Royal bags. Police also noted that Barefoot and the female passenger had multiple open wounds on their bodies which they suspected were from the use of methamphetamine.

When police asked Barefoot if there were any drugs in the vehicle, he allegedly told them there was paraphernalia in the car. Police said the female passenger indicated there "may be" a small amount of methamphetamine or marijuana in the car.

When police questioned Barefoot about the car being reported stolen, he allegedly told them that the car belonged to his mother and his mother's boyfriend and that he was given permission to use it.

Barefoot is facing felony charges of fleeing or attempting to elude police and receiving stolen property, as well as a misdemeanor count of recklessly endangering another person.

He was arraigned by Tyrone Magisterial District Judge Fred Miller and committed to the Blair County Prison in lieu of $30,000 cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for today, Nov. 4, in front of Martinsburg Magisterial District Judge Andrew Blattenberger.