A Philadelphia man led police on a high-speed chase through parts of Lackawanna County while driving a stolen vehicle early Friday, according to a criminal complaint.

Olyphant Patrolman John Evanina noticed a Ford Escape failed to obey a stop sign around 12:01 a.m. at East Lackawanna Avenue and Underwood Road, police said. Evanina caught up to the vehicle near an on-ramp to the Casey Highway (Route 6) and turned on his emergency lights, but the driver got onto the highway and accelerated, according to the criminal complaint.

Evanina activated his emergency siren and was able to pull alongside the driver — later identified as Isiah Parrilla — who was smoking and wearing a Yankees hat, police said.

Parrilla continued to elude police, traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph. He eventually exited the highway at the Carbondale/Meredith Street exit, according to the criminal complaint.

Evanina followed the vehicle to a driveway at 265 Dundaff St. and saw an individual run into the rear of the residence, police said.

More officers arrived and established a perimeter around the property, according to the criminal complaint.

Officers contacted the owner of the residence, Linda Russell, who was working at the Amazon warehouse in Olyphant and agreed to come home, police said.

After receiving permission to search the property, officers called for the occupants to exit the residence. The man who was driving the vehicle was not among them, according to the criminal complaint. Officers entered the residence to continue searching and located Parrilla in a room upstairs.

A check of the SUV’s vehicle identification number determined it was reported stolen to the Lansdale Borough Police Department on Aug. 28, police said.

Officers also discovered Parrilla was wanted by the Philadelphia Police Department for assault, according to the criminal complaint.

Police charged Parrilla, 19, with receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, recklessly endangering another person and a stop sign violation.

As of Monday, Parrilla remained in Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15 at 11:15 a.m.

Originally Published: September 8, 2025 at 12:59 PM EDT