Lewistown man jailed after high-speed pursuit

Police say driver reached speeds of more than 100 mph

LEWISTOWN -- A Lewistown man was jailed Thursday after police said he led officers on a high-speed pursuit from Lewistown to Port Royal, reaching speeds of more than 100 mph and at one point traveling in the opposing lane of Route 75.

Travis Scott Beward, 34, is charged with felony fleeing or attempting to elude police, first-offense DUI involving a controlled substance and six summary traffic violations, including reckless driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license, careless driving, failure to stop at a red light, driving at a safe speed and disregarding a traffic lane.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Lewistown Borough Police, officers observed a silver BMW SUV traveling at a high rate of speed near North Wayne and West Third streets.

Police said they attempted to catch up with the vehicle and observed it turn onto West Market Street, where he activated his emergency lights and siren. Police allege the driver continued accelerating and failed to yield.

Court documents state the pursuit continued onto U.S. 22/322 east, where Hartley estimated the BMW reached speeds in excess of 120 mph. Police said the vehicle passed between two tractor-trailers traveling close together and continued east before taking the Port Royal exit.

The affidavit states the driver failed to negotiate a right turn at the bottom of the exit ramp, entered the median and then entered the opposing lane of Route 75. Police allege the vehicle continued in the wrong lane until a break in the median allowed the driver to return to the proper lane.

The pursuit continued through a solid red light at the intersection of Route 75 and William Penn Highway before the vehicle entered Port Royal, according to the affidavit. Police said the BMW eventually slowed and stopped in a nearby driveway after turning onto Sixth Street and Milford Street.

The driver, identified as Beward, was taken into custody. According to the affidavit, Beward told police he was alone in the vehicle and that his license was suspended.

Police said they suspected Beward was under the influence and reported finding what they described as a marijuana vape in the vehicle. The affidavit states Beward agreed to a blood draw.

Beward was arraigned Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Eric S. Ettinger. Court records show monetary bail was ultimately set at $50,000, and Beward was committed to Mifflin County Prison after being unable to post bail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Oct. 14 before Ettinger.