Johnstown man pleads guilty to DWI, other charges

JOHNSTOWN - A city man pleaded guilty Friday in Fulton County Court to three counts related to a drunken driving and fleeing from police incident during the summer and he now faces jail time.

Luke T. Harding, 28, of 25 S. William St., pleaded guilty before Judge Richard C. Giardino to driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and criminal mischief.

Sentencing was adjourned until Dec. 22, but under the terms of a plea arrangement, he is expected to receive one year in the County Jail and a $500 fine for the DWI count, another year to run concurrently for the aggravated unlicensed operation and six months to run concurrently and $596 in restitution for the unlawful fleeing.

Johnstown city police said Harding was arrested on nine counts after he fled from officers and struck several light poles with his vehicle.

Police said he was arrested on Burton Street at 4:25 a.m., June 20. He was charged with DWI, driving with a 0.08 percent or greater blood-alcohol content, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, failure to stop for stop signs, unlawful fleeing from police, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, suspended registration and no headlights.

Police said officers tried to stop Harding for driving without headlights, and he failed to pull over. He drove on various city streets in an attempt to get away, police said. He failed to stop for stop signs and struck several light poles, police said.

Harding's vehicle wouldn't move after several collisions, police said, and he fled on foot before being caught.

Police said he fought with officers as he was arrested.