Former Lock Haven Attorney Sentenced in Lycoming County Court

WILLIAMSPORT – A former Lock Haven attorney who led police on a high speed chase through western Lycoming County last year has been placed on probation in Lycoming County Court.

Stephen Chadwick Smith, 68, of E. Water St., Lock Haven, appeared before Lycoming County Judge Marc Lovecchio on Wednesday for sentencing. He had pleaded no contest in September to charges of recklessly endangering, fleeing or eluding police and multiple traffic violations.

The court sentenced Smith to five years probation, imposed a $200 fine and directed him to undergo a mental health evaluation. Judge Lovecchio also ordered him to 100 hours of community service and the immediate surrender of his driver’s license.

The chase occurred in April of 2017. Authorities in Clinton County had issued a “be on the lookout” for Smith, claiming he might be armed and suicidal, a claim the defendant denied.

Police in South Williamsport first observed Smith and followed him as other units arrived. Officers said he drove across the Susquehanna River into Williamsport and then west on Interstate 180 at speeds which exceeded 100 miles an hour. The chase came to an end after Tiadaghton Regional Police placed stop sticks on Route 220 near its intersection with Route 287. The chase continued, the Smith vehicle with damaged tires, police said. It ended when his vehicle hit the guiderail, crossed the four-lane highway, struck the other guiderail and came to rest in the median.

Smith had told the court he did not dispute the allegations but said he has memory issues due to a traumatic brain injury. He was reported undergoing counseling.