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Bedford County High Speed Chase

One man is in custody after fleeing from police during an attempted traffic stop in Bedford Township, Bedford County, Saturday evening, state police said.

According to a criminal complaint, the incident occurred just after 5 p.m. when a trooper merging onto US 220 observed a vehicle approaching him from behind at a high rate of speed.

State police said the vehicle changed lanes multiple times without using turn signals and passed the trooper at a speed higher than the posted speed limit.

The criminal complaint states that the trooper followed the vehicle, exceeding 112 mph, and that the vehicle was continuing to gain distance from the trooper.

According to state police, the vehicle passed two other vehicles on the road at a high rate of speed and the trooper attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

The criminal complaint states that the vehicle hit its breaks and changed lanes without signaling before the trooper was able to successfully stop the driver.

State police said the driver, later identified as James Doran, 30, of New Jersey, refused to obey the trooper and fled on foot towards the woods.

According to the criminal complaint, a foot pursuit began and Doran was taken into custody after numerous verbal commands.

State police said that, during a search of Doran, alcohol could be smelled on his breath and multiple alcoholic beverages were later found inside his vehicle.

The criminal complaint states that Doran refused to speak with the trooper and refused to provide identification before he was transported to UPMC Bedford, where he refused to submit to a legal blood draw.

According to state police, the Gloucester Township Police Department in New Jersey was contacted and it was discovered that Doran was wanted for first degree homicide of a family member.

The criminal complaint states that state police believe Doran attempted to flee during the initial traffic stop to avoid being apprehended for his involvement in the homicide.

Online court dockets show that Doran faces one charge of failing to carry a license, one charge of recklessly endangering another person, one charge of evading arrest on foot, one charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, one charge of failing to drive at a safe speed, two charges of failure to use turn signals, one charge of failing to obey traffic control devices, one charge of reckless driving, one charge of resisting arrest and three charges of restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Court dockets also show that Doran is currently being held at the Bedford County Prison and was denied bail due to evidence that he will not comply while on bail.

Court dockets also show that he has a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 13.

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