From staff reports
Two people accused of possessing drugs and leading police on a high-speed chase last month were held for court Wednesday.
Christopher Ahrens, 42, of Oil City, and Alexis Kelly, 19, of Venus, appeared for their preliminary hearings in Venango County Central Court.
Ahrens was charged with felony counts of fleeing or eluding an officer and manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, in addition to several misdemeanor counts related to drug possession and DUI.
Ahrens and Kelly were arrested following a June 8 incident in which Franklin police tried to stop a black station wagon driven by Ahrens in the 300 block of Grant Street. Police said Ahrens refused to stop, then fled west on Route 322 at speeds of more than 110 mph.
Police said the pursuit finally ended near the Station 4 Firehouse Grille in Meadville.
Ahrens and Kelly were detained, and police observed a marijuana odor emanating from the vehicle, as well as a small amount of marijuana on the center console and two syringes on the passenger floorboard, according to a criminal complaint.
Police said they observed from Ahrens outward signs of intoxication by a controlled substance.
Kelly is scheduled to reappear in court Wednesday on drug-related charges stemming from a separate June 11 incident.
