SHREWSBURY, PA — A Pennsylvania man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly fleeing from police in a stolen van on July 4, 2026.
Donald David Cornelious, 54, of Pennsylvania, was arrested following an hours-long search that ended just after 6 p.m.
Officers located a stolen van out of Maryland in the area of East Forrest Avenue and Mt. Airy Road at approximately 11:05 a.m.
Officers attempted to stop the van, which fled.
The vehicle was pursued and eventually entered the Tractor Supply/Phantom Fire Works parking lot on Renaissance Drive.
The driver and passenger exited the van while it was still moving, causing it to strike a parked vehicle.
After a foot pursuit, the passenger was apprehended after being tased.
A perimeter was established for the driver, who scaled down a 20-plus-foot retaining wall into a thick marsh area.
An extensive search was conducted with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, North Hopewell Police Department, York County Regional Police Department and York County Sheriff’s Office K-9s.
The search included sheriff K-9s, a drone and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter.
The van was stolen out of Howard County, Maryland, and the registration plates were stolen from Baltimore, Maryland.
Cornelious had warrants out of Maryland for escape and had cut off his ankle bracelet.
Cornelious admitted to using crack cocaine during the pursuit.
The passenger was transported to Wellspan Shrewsbury Hospital and advised they traveled to Pennsylvania to commit crimes.
Charges are pending against the passenger, who remained at the hospital.
Cornelious was transported to York County Central Booking and charged with fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, agricultural crop destruction, receiving stolen property and fugitive from justice.
Bail was set at $20,000.
Cornelious was committed to York County Prison.
