FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — A Franklin man is facing new charges after he allegedly fled and resisted arrest as Venango County deputies were serving an active warrant.

According to court documents, the Venango County Sheriff’s office filed criminal charges against 24-year-old Justyn Frederick Ballard, of Franklin.

According to a criminal complaint, around 3:16 p.m. on June 28, Deputies Hollidge and Alt, of the Venango County Sheriff’s office, were in a marked Sheriff’s Patrol vehicle in the City of Franklin, on Liberty Street. Deputy Williams contacted Deputy Hollidge via radio transmission of a black male with a black hat and cutoff t-shirt walking past Bandstand Park who had an active warrant through the Venango County Sheriff’s office for absconding supervision.

The deputies identified the suspect — Justyn Frederick Ballard — and Deputy Hollidge exited the patrol vehicle at the intersection of Buffalo Street and 11th Street and advised Ballard there was a warrant for his arrest.

The complaint states that “Ballard became very emotional in the presence of both deputies. Stating concerns that he was on his way to pick up his daughter. He asked if he could make one phone call to have someone pick up his daughter. Deputy Hollidge advised Ballard that he could make one quick phone call before he was placed under arrest; however, Ballard could not reach anyone on the first phone call. He attempted to contact another person on his cell phone and was able to reach someone and explained the situation to the person. Deputy Hollidge advised Ballard that he needed to end the call and that he was under arrest. Ballard immediately took off running on a full sprint across Buffalo Street, near the 11th Street intersection. Deputy Hollidge immediately pursued Ballard as Ballard ran through a front yard and around a house.”

“During the pursuit, Deputy Hollidge repeatedly yelled for Ballard to stop, and Ballard refused. As Ballard ran around the house and continued into the back yard area, Deputy Hollidge remained behind him….Deputy Hollidge removed his taser and yelled to Ballard that if he did not stop that he would be tased. Deputy Hollidge gained ground on Ballard, and as Ballard neared a fence, he turned to Deputy Hollidge and began yelling and acting in an aggressive manner, stating ‘I’m not going to jail!’ Deputy Hollidge then took Ballard to the ground and Deputy Alt arrived”…deputies struggled with Ballard and were able to pull his arms from under his body and place him in double locked handcuffs at 3:27 p.m., the complaint continues.

“Once placed in handcuffs, Ballard repeatedly stated to deputies, ‘I can’t go to jail man.’….Ballard was assisted from the ground to a standing position, and blood was coming from his knee area….It appeared to be only minor cuts and scrapes; however, Deputy Hollidge asked Ballard if he needed any medical assistance, and he refused medical treatment,” according to the complaint.

Ballard was transported to the Venango County Jail by Deputies Hollidge and Alt. He was served the warrant and advised of new criminal charges due to the current incident, the complaint indicates.

Ballard faces the following new charges:

– Flight To Avoid Apprehension/Trial/Punishment
– Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforcement

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 17 at 1:30 p.m. in Venango County Central Court with Magisterial District Judge Matthew T. Kirtland presiding.

Warrant Information

According to court documents, on January 6, 2016, Ballard entered a guilty plea for Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia stemming from a November 20, 2015 incident. A charge of Possession of Marijuana was withdrawn.

Court records indicate the January 6, 2016 conditions of Ballard’s penalty are as follows:

– Twelve months state supervision and SAP evaluation and comply with any and all recommendations.