Lancaster County, PA – A high-speed pursuit through Lancaster County ended in a fiery crash Saturday morning, leaving two people hospitalized and a Lebanon County man facing multiple serious charges, authorities said.
Suspect Identified
The suspect, Joshua Quinones, 33, of Myerstown, allegedly committed a series of crimes throughout the early morning hours of December 20, culminating in a dangerous chase that reached speeds of over 100 mph before ending in a collision with another vehicle that burst into flames.
Timeline of Events Leading Up to the Chase
Authorities detailed a series of incidents that set the stage for the crash:
- 5:10 a.m. – Unknown Call: A victim received a six-second voicemail from Quinones stating, “Meet me at the bridge.”
- 5:22 a.m. – False House Fire Report: Quinones reportedly called police claiming a house fire with four people inside. Responding crews found no fire.
- 5:51 a.m. – Disturbing 911 Call: Quinones called Lancaster County-Wide Communications claiming he was “God” and referred to an unidentified victim as “his queen.” Court records show he had previously pleaded guilty in 2021 to witness intimidation involving the same victim.
- 6:35 a.m. – Turkey Hill Robbery: Quinones allegedly threatened employees with hand gestures resembling guns after being refused a nicotine vape. He stole the item and fled in a silver Ford Focus.
- 6:55 a.m. – Sheetz Robbery: Quinones reportedly handed a clerk a note demanding money and stole $451 before fleeing in the same vehicle.
High-Speed Pursuit
Police located Quinones’ vehicle near Millport Road and Route 501 in Warwick Township shortly after the Sheetz robbery. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Quinones fled, prompting a pursuit.
At one point, an officer positioned a patrol vehicle to block Quinones’ path. Quinones accelerated toward the cruiser and swerved away, prompting the officer to fear a collision.
The chase continued along Route 322, with Pennsylvania State Police joining as speeds reportedly exceeded 100 mph.
Fiery Crash Injures Two
The pursuit ended when Quinones ran a red light and collided with a green Ford F-150 at Wood Corner Road and Route 322, causing both vehicles to ignite instantly and burst into flames.
The Ford F-150 was occupied by a husband and wife:
- The husband suffered life-threatening injuries, including a brain bleed, multiple broken bones, and burns.
- The wife was hospitalized with multiple broken bones, according to investigators.
Charges Filed
An arrest warrant was issued for Quinones, who now faces a lengthy list of criminal charges, including:
- Three counts of aggravated assault
- Assault of a law enforcement officer
- Stalking
- False alarm to an agency of public safety
- Two counts of robbery
- Two counts of theft by unlawful taking
- Two counts of terroristic threats
- Six counts of recklessly endangering another person
- Two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle
- Two counts of fleeing or attempting to elude an officer
- Reckless driving
- Failure to stop at a red signal
- Driving at a safe speed
Community and Safety Concerns
The incident has alarmed local residents, emphasizing the dangers of high-speed pursuits and reckless behavior on public roads. Officials encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, as well as to adhere strictly to traffic laws to prevent similar tragedies.
The Lancaster County authorities continue to investigate the crash, review surveillance and eyewitness accounts, and monitor the condition of the hospitalized victims.
Should high-speed pursuits be handled differently to minimize risk to the public? What measures can law enforcement take to prevent dangerous chases that end in life-threatening crashes?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
