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…