Man Fled from Officers, Was ‘Unable to Be Detained,’ Police Say

A 21-year-old former Hellertown resident who was wanted on active warrants allegedly fled from officers when they tried to take him into custody last month after receiving a report about a suspicious person, borough police said Thursday.

According to a Hellertown Police Department news release, officers encountered Stone A. Butler of the 100 block of Valley View Drive, Mountain Top, Luzerne County, around 10:45 p.m. April 30, after he was allegedly observed trying to open the door to Roma Pizza at Main and Water streets and a “nearby residence” while “appearing to be under the influence.”

Police said Butler was then located about a block away, near 650 Northampton Street, “under the influence of a drug.”

According to the release, when officers attempted to arrest Butler, he fled on foot “and was unable to be detained.”

Police said charges of Resisting arrest on foot (Misdemeanor 2), Loitering/prowling at night (Misdemeanor 3) and summary public intoxication have been filed in Northampton County District Court 03-2-04.

In May 2024, Butler was accused of assaulting Hellertown police officers while they were attempting to arrest him on outstanding bench warrants.

According to county court records, he later pleaded guilty to Evading arrest or detention on foot and was sentenced to 18 months of probation by Judge Michael Koury Jr. The records indicate that the plea was negotiated and that Butler was also required to pay court costs, to pay approximately $1260 in restitution and to comply with the conditions of his probation.

Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty. This story was compiled using information from the Hellertown Police Department and Northampton County court records.