Police chase dirt bike driver linked to shooting

Pennsylvania State Police pursued a 19-year-old man on a dirt bike in Harrisburg last week after he was linked to a shooting. This incident occurred on March 12, shortly after gunfire was reported in the area of 18th and Regina Street. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the shooting. Troopers were assisting the local Street Crimes Unit when they spotted Ja Juan Watts, who matched the description of the suspected shooter. When police turned on their emergency lights, Watts sped away. He drove against traffic and violated several traffic laws during the chase, which lasted several blocks. State police lost sight of Watts near 21st Street but later found the abandoned dirt bike behind a large building. They set up a perimeter and discovered Watts hiding in nearby brush. Although he claimed he was not armed and had not been involved in the shooting, officers found a discarded Glock near his location. Watts has been charged with fleeing from an officer, carrying a firearm without a license, and other driving offenses. He has not been charged in relation to the shooting itself. A preliminary hearing for Watts is scheduled for March 24.