A New York man under a removal order is facing criminal charges after Schuylkill Haven police say he resisted arrest and led police on a foot chase by Route 61 that resulted in multiple injuries and a physical altercation.
Yensy Santana Alvarez, 34, is charged with four misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person and one for resisting arrest. He is also charged with felony counts of aggravated assault and flight to avoid apprehension.
According to the affidavit, a Schuylkill Haven officer was on patrol with an ICE agent on May 20. Observing a blue Toyota Prius with dark tints on all its windows, the officers pulled Alvarez over. Police say Alvarez did not speak English and that he was the car’s only occupant.
The accompanying ICE agent reportedly conducted a records check and found that Alvarez had a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge.
Upon being asked to step out of the vehicle, Alvarez reportedly fled on foot into the woods and across the Schuylkill River, behind Sands Ford Dealership on Route 61.
Alvarez and officers following in pursuit wound up in the river. While attempting to take him into custody, police say Alvarez “actively resisted” and even pulled one officer underwater.
After handcuffing him, police say they took Alvarez to Lehigh Valley Hospital – Schuylkill, where he and an officer were treated for injuries.
Officers from Orwigsburg, Saint Clair and Minersville also responded to the situation.
As of April, Schuylkill Haven Borough Police Department is participating in ICE’s Task Force Model, which deputizes local officers to interrogate and arrest anyone who is, or is believed to be, an undocumented immigrant, as well as select other federal immigration officer duties. The department is one of 12 Schuylkill County agencies involved.
Alvarez is being held in Schuylkill County Prison with no bail set.
A preliminary hearing originally planned for Tuesday morning was continued. It is now scheduled for June 30 before Magisterial District Judge Casimir Kosciolek. As of May 26, according to court documents, Alvarez is not being represented by an attorney.