Monessen man accused of fleeing traffic stop, leading police on chase through Greensburg

A man accused of fleeing from a traffic stop over the weekend broke into a Greensburg home in an unsuccessful attempt to escape from police, according to court papers.

Authorities reported finding Drew William Lepresti II, 29, of Monessen, inside a Westminster Avenue house.

Members of the Laurel Highlands DUI Task Force were working at 11:30 p.m. Saturday in the area of ​​South Main and Cribbs streets in Southwest Greensburg when a borough officer spotted a vehicle with a burned out headlight. The driver, identified by police as Lepresti, was pulled over on the on-ramp to Route 30 west and authorities reported noticing a strong odor of marijuana, according to court papers.

While the officer was checking Lepresti’s license and registration, he is accused of making a U-turn and driving the wrong way down the on-ramp, nearly hitting several vehicles, and heading toward Greensburg. The vehicle turned from South Main Street onto Euclid Avenue and led police through neighborhoods before stopping on Westminster Avenue.

A witness reported hearing glass shattered and police said they found a broken window on the rear of a house. It was unclear from court papers whether anyone was home or whether Lepresti had any connection to the address. Police reported finding a handgun in the vehicle he was driving. It was not registered and Lepresti did not have a concealed carry permit, according to court papers.

Investigators were working on obtaining a search warrant for the vehicle when the criminal charges were filed. Lepresti is charged with burglary, escape, a weapons violation and related offenses. He was being held at the Westmoreland County Prison on a $75,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for July 19.