A Scranton man stopped by police for improper lighting on an electric bike misidentified himself to officers and tried to flee, according to a criminal complaint.
Charles Thompson, 52, of Cedar Avenue, faces charges of flight to elude apprehension, resisting arrest and providing false identification to law enforcement officers.
Officers spotted Thompson at about 6 p.m. Tuesday, operating an e-bike without proper rear-end reflectors on South Main Avenue, according to the complaint.
When officers requested the man’s name, he provided a false name and date of birth.
When asked asked how old he was, he replied, “36,” which officers noted was inconsistent with the birth date he provided.
Police warned him providing false identification during a police investigation was a crime.
Officers also noted Thompson was soaked in sweat and breathing very rapidly.
As officers were speaking with Thompson, they could see the Facebook app on his cellphone.
When asked if he could open up the app to confirm his identify, Thompson said he didn’t have any social media apps installed on his phone, according to the complaint.
When officers attempted to take Thompson into custody, he allegedly tensed his body and began screaming, trying to move forward.
Officers drew Tasers and told Thompson he would be shocked with the weapons if he continued to resist; he then complied.
Officers found an accurate identification card in Thompson’s wallet.
A records check indicated Thompson was wanted by multiple agencies, including two misdemeanor warrants from the Scranton Police Department, one misdemeanor warrant from the Lackawanna County district attorney’s office and one felony probation warrant from the county sheriff’s office.
Thompson remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on June 8 before District Judge Laura Turlip.