July 28, 2015
The man who led police on a wild chase through Philadelphia and South Jersey Monday night evaded authorities over a warrant for the theft of $10.50 worth of underwear, authorities said Tuesday.
RELATED STORY: Suspect in police chase identified, will face charges
Robert Ritter, of Blackwood, New Jersey, took police onto I-95, I-295, over the Ben Franklin Bridge and back, then through several Philadelphia neighborhoods -- Fishtown, Old City and Society Hill -- before his van, cornered for a second time and bumped by police, finally flipped over near Philadelphia International Airport.
One day later, 6 ABC reports, police revealed the chase was initiated by, among other warrants, one for Ritter's arrest in the theft of underwear from a Shop Rite in Brooklawn, New Jersey, earlier in July.
Police said Ritter has an extensive violent criminal history. When his license plate was run, two other warrants came up: a traffic violation in Mt. Ephraim Borough and a violation of a restraining order against domestic violence and stalking in Gloucester Township. Police attempted to make a traffic stop at around 8:00 p.m. in Oaklyn Monday night, but Ritter sped off.
Fortunately, no police officers were injured in the course of the pursuit. Philadelphia Police Lieutenant John Walker said that Ritter will be charged with three counts of aggravated assault against the officers he crashed into before he is extradited to New Jersey to face the robbery charges.
