Car chase ends with crash, arrest

A suspected car thief led police on a chase from Delaware County up I-95 through Philadelphia Wednesday before the vehicle crashed in Bucks County and he bailed out.

The 19-year-old man was captured about an hour later near an apartment complex beneath the interstate in Bristol, police said.

Ridley Township Police Capt. Charles Howley said Paul McCurry Jr. was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, reckless endangerment, fleeing or attempting to elude police, and resisting arrest.

No phone listing for McCurry could be found Wednesday and it was unclear whether he had an attorney.

6ABC reported that officers grabbed McCurry after he strolled past them while talking on a cell phone.

Earlier, when Philadelphia police found the crashed car with an empty unmarked police cruiser next to it about 7:30 a.m., other officers rushed to the scene on the highway bridge over the Neshaminy Creek because of concerns about the pursuing officer's safety.

The officer was soon found below the highway, on Newportville Road, looking for the suspect.

The 2008 Pontiac coupe had been reported stolen in Ridley Township. State troopers joined Ridley Township and Tinicum Township police in the hunt.