On April 13th, 2023 City of Bradford Police were investigating a reported burglary and criminal mischief at 64 Jefferson Street. Officers observed heavy damage to a door that had been kicked open and they found 4 windows completely smashed out of the residence, as well as personal property damage done to the tenants belongings. The reporting party indicated that the defendant Paul Graves was the one who had entered with force and done this. Officers learned that Graves was driving a 2015 Chrysler with NY State registration plates. Officers learned that while they were inside the residence investigating Graves had driven by on Jefferson Street.
Officers exited the residence and were standing in the roadway when the 2015 Chrysler sedan was observed driving on Jefferson Street toward them. Officers tried to get the vehicle to stop. Officers could hear and see the vehicle accelerating at them. Officers drew their service weapons at which time the vehicle did not stop and swerved toward the one Officer. The Officer had to take quick action to move out of danger and avoid being struck as the vehicle fled away. Graves was observed to be driving the vehicle in question.
A felony pursuit was initiated and Graves failed to stop. The pursuit traveled South onto South Avenue, Owens Way, High Street, Minard Run, SR 219 South, Big Shanty Road, and Droney Road. While on Minard Run the defendant Graves nearly struck a Bradford City patrol unit head on but continued to flee. On SR 219 South Graves rammed a Bradford City patrol unit causing moderate damage to both vehicles. The pursuit was ended on Droney Road when Officers took Graves into custody. Graves resisted arrest and was also found to be driving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances. Graves was charged with numerous crimes related to this incident and arraigned by Magistrate William Todd and remanded to McKean County Jail on $200,000 cash bail. City of Bradford Police were assisted by Bradford Township Police and Pennsylvania State Police.
