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Police chief reports DUI with THC, juvenile elude incident, and multiple speed studies
Summary
In his May report the East Cocalico Township police chief recounted a DUI arrest with THC detected, charges for terroristic threats and criminal mischief in a separate incident, a juvenile who fled officers, multiple pedestrian safety enforcement actions, and several speed studies that recorded average speeds well above posted limits on township roads.
The East Cocalico Township police chief presented the department’s May activity at the June 18 board meeting, outlining several arrests, enforcement operations, and traffic studies.
The chief reported a DUI arrest after officers answered a noise complaint and found a vehicle with an odor consistent with burnt marijuana; blood testing reportedly detected THC and a summons was issued. In a separate incident, a suspect was charged with terroristic threats, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct after surveillance footage showed the suspect yelling at a residence and throwing a large rock through a vehicle windshield; the suspect is awaiting a preliminary hearing.
The department also reported a juvenile fleeing officers on an electric dirt‑bike style vehicle; the chief and board discussed the broader county trend of increasing incidents involving high‑speed micromobility and dirt‑bike style vehicles, including safety concerns and local ordinances enacted by neighboring boroughs.
Traffic enforcement work included pedestrian safety enforcement (14 motorists stopped and 15 pedestrians contacted at one location during a first phase), and several week‑long speed studies in township locations. One study on East Church Street recorded an average speed of 40.3 mph and a top speed of 78 mph in a posted 35 mph zone; other local studies reported average speeds of 43 mph with highs into the 70s. Officers also carried out targeted speed enforcement that generated multiple citations at several locations.
The chief concluded by noting the department completed required firearms qualifications and participated in a federally funded pedestrian safety education and enforcement program.
