SHARON, Pa. - A man suspected of allegedly “preying on children” was denied bail Tuesday after a 120 mph police chase that began in Mercer County and ended in Lawrence County by crashing into a police car.

Timothy Hartey, 52, of Philadelphia, will remain held without bail at Mercer County Prison following his preliminary arraignment before Judge Travis P. Martwinski. 

The pursuit began after Sharon police responded to a report of suspicious activity involving a dark-colored Kia Telluride. The vehicle had been reported in recent days for allegedly " preying on children".

According to the affidavit, there had been several calls and social media posts in recent days alleging that someone in the vehicle had been speaking to children around Sharon.

When police spotted an SUV matching the suspected vehicle’s description on Monday, the driver was ordered to step out of the SUV. According to an affidavit of probable cause, Hartey ignored commands, locked the doors, and refused to roll down his window.

When an officer approached the SUV, Hartey allegedly put the vehicle in reverse, accelerated backward, and nearly struck the officer, who had to jump onto a sidewalk to avoid being hit.

Hartey then fled, nearly striking another officer as he turned around, according to the police. A high-speed chase began that went through several communities, including Sharon, Brookfield, Farrell, Hermitage, and Shenango Township, with speeds exceeding 120 mph. During the pursuit, Hartey allegedly failed to stop at numerous stop signs and spilled items, including chairs and fishing equipment, from his open trunk onto the roadway.

The chase culminated in a crash on Interstate 376 East near the Mount Jackson exit when Hartey's vehicle collided with a patrol car and a highway barrier. Hartey was injured but refused medical attention, according to state police.

Hartey faces multiple charges, including three counts of felony aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, obstructing administration of law, and reckless driving. No charges have been filed related to allegations that he was approaching children.  A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 30 at 10:30 a.m.

The criminal complaint details that Hartey's refusal to comply with police commands, his alleged attempts to strike officers with his vehicle, and the extended high-speed pursuit through multiple municipalities and across county lines were key factors in the court's decision to deny bail, deeming him a significant public safety risk.