A Delaware man who led police on a high speed chase for 21 miles – with a baby in his vehicle – will serve up to 19 years in prison.
Ronald T. Comeger, 34, fled a June 2016 traffic stop in Manheim Township and drive at speeds above 130 mph, passing an estimated 120 vehicles, before crashing in Dauphin County.
A Lancaster County jury convicted Comeger in May of aggravated assault (child victim), endangering a child, fleeing police, and 14 counts of reckless endangerment.
On Monday, County Judge Howard Knisely sentenced Comeger to 9½ to 19 years in prison for what the judge called “reprehensible” behavior.
Assistant District Attorney Christine L. Wilson called Comeger a “career criminal” with convictions since 2002 and an estimated 22 parole/probation violations for those convictions.
“Mr. Comeger needs to be removed from society,” Wilson told the judge. “This was sustained recklessness for a long period of time.”
Comeger fled the stop and drove onto Route 283, weaving through traffic, eventually crashing his Volkswagen into another vehicle and then a wall.
Judge Knisely said Comeger fled “to show some kind of machoism.”
After crashing the car and as police surrounded the car, Comeger used the 7-week-old infant as a human shield.
The baby sustained cuts to his head. The baby’s mother sustained cuts and bruises to her arms and legs.
Comeger was charged with, and pladed guilty to, persuading the woman not to appear in court for the May trial.
In court Monday, he said, “I take full responsibility. I do show remorse.”
Pennsylvania State Police filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright