Man charged with reckless driving

A 23-year-old Phillipsburg man led police on a high-speed chase shortly after midnight yesterday on Mount Nittany Expressway, Patton Township Police Department reported in a press release.

A vehicle driven by Timothy J. Bamat, of 111 1/2 Presqueisle St., was clocked traveling at 80 mph in a 55-mph zone, according to police.

Pursuing officers attempted to stop Bamat, but he proceeded to increase his speed to more than 120 mph before exiting the expressway onto Stevenson Road, according to a criminal complaint.

Refusing to pull over, Bamat entered onto Julian Pike where he eventually stopped and told officers he had fled because of an outstanding bench warrant in Clearfield County.

According to a criminal complaint, Bamat was arrested on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, violating speed limits, reckless driving and violating no passing zones.

He was arraigned in front of Centre County District Judge Jonathan Grine and placed in Centre County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail.