OOpsie
03-30-2007, 07:24 PM
Man Leads Chase, Claims He's Dick Cheney
By Associated Press
STRATFORD, Conn. - A man was taken to Bridgeport Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation after he led authorities on a high-speed chase and then claimed to be Vice President Dick Cheney, police said.
John Spernak, 42, later admitted he wasn't Cheney but said he was actually "Charlie's Angels" star Jaclyn Smith, police said. He also claimed to be the husband of Paris Hilton's sister.
Police said Spernak, driving at more than 90 mph Monday night, hit a patrol car and was shocked with a stun gun before they could arrest him. He was charged with attempted first-degree assault, engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving, criminal mischief, interfering with police and being in a town park after dark.
Police said they were on routine patrol when they spotted Spernak in his parked car. As they approached, he drove away.
He eventually pulled into his own driveway, but police shocked him because he wouldn't get out of the car, they said.
Court officials said Spernak had not appeared in Bridgeport Superior Court as of Wednesday, but Stratford police could not provide an update on his status. No one answered the phone Wednesday afternoon at a number listed for Spernak's address.
___
Information from: Connecticut Post, http://www.connpost.com
By Associated Press
STRATFORD, Conn. - A man was taken to Bridgeport Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation after he led authorities on a high-speed chase and then claimed to be Vice President Dick Cheney, police said.
John Spernak, 42, later admitted he wasn't Cheney but said he was actually "Charlie's Angels" star Jaclyn Smith, police said. He also claimed to be the husband of Paris Hilton's sister.
Police said Spernak, driving at more than 90 mph Monday night, hit a patrol car and was shocked with a stun gun before they could arrest him. He was charged with attempted first-degree assault, engaging police in a pursuit, reckless driving, criminal mischief, interfering with police and being in a town park after dark.
Police said they were on routine patrol when they spotted Spernak in his parked car. As they approached, he drove away.
He eventually pulled into his own driveway, but police shocked him because he wouldn't get out of the car, they said.
Court officials said Spernak had not appeared in Bridgeport Superior Court as of Wednesday, but Stratford police could not provide an update on his status. No one answered the phone Wednesday afternoon at a number listed for Spernak's address.
___
Information from: Connecticut Post, http://www.connpost.com