Motorcyclist arrested after attempting to flee from police

Traffic off Interstate 380 was heavy enough Wednesday night to detain a motorcyclist trying to flee from police.

Stephen J. Stampka tried to speed away from an officer running a radar check on Interstate 380 northbound near the H Avenue NE interchange, police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said. Stampka was doing a wheelstand when the officer spotted him and another motorcyclist a few minutes before 10 p.m.

When the officer gave chase with lights and siren, the other cyclist pulled over and stopped, but Stampka turned off his lights and ducked onto the 42nd Street ramp. His getaway stalled when he got stuck behind stopped traffic on the ramp. The pursuing officer left his car and approached Stampka, who surrendered.

Stampka, 20, of 552 Fifth Ave., Marion, was charged with attempt to elude and possession of drug paraphernalia, for having a marijuana pipe in his pocket. He was released from jail after a court appearance Thursday morning.