Man Arrested After Fleeing from Police

A Medford man wanted on a warrant for armed assault with intent to murder was from officers Thursday afternoon.

Steven Valentine, 28, was pulled over in his 2004 Pontiac Grand Am by Officer Rogers at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Reservoir Street after another driver reported he was driving erratically. The reporting driver followed him from 93 South till officers were able to find them, according to police reports.

Sergeants Dan Perenick and DeRosa also arrived on scene and questioned the reporting driver.

Rogers asked Valentine for his license, which he did not have, but did provide his name and date of birth. It was when Rogers was confirming this information when Valentine jumped from the car and fled across Highland Avenue down Fairmont Street although an officer was guarding his door, according to police reports.

Derosa immediately ran after him with Rogers close behind continuing toward the emergency room parking lot. From here, Valentine jumped from the fourth level of the garage and continued down Maple Street, according to police reports.

A Forest Street resident warned officers Valentine had fled through his backyard going into . K-9 Handler Sgt. Horst Filtzer arrived with Axel to set up a perimeter around the park. Rogers reported halfway through the search Axel found Valentine hiding in the wooded area by the riverbank. Before the K-9 could apprehend Valentine, he surrendered, and officers took control of the arrest.

He was also found with a hypodermic needle in his front pocket, according to reports.

Valentine was charged with speeding, crossing center yellow lines, negligent operation and failure to stop for a police officer.

Valentine was denied bail and made an appearance in the earlier this morning.

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