Trial begins for man accused of trying to run over state trooper

Ty Kohler, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
Updated ·2 min read

Mar. 12—MERCER — Attorneys made opening arguments Tuesday in the prosecution of a Grove City man accused of trying to use his vehicle to run down two state troopers.

John Barlow Jr., 60, is accused of two counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, several counts of aggravated assault, fleeing the scene, reckless driving, driving while suspended and agricultural vandalism among other traffic violations.

"These are some of the most serious charges that a person can face," defense attorney David Wenger said. "It is your job [the jury] to see if the information, without a reasonable doubt, applies within the realm of common sense and physics."

Assistant District Attorney Andrew Acker said evidence, including statements by the two state troopers involved, would establish the prosecution's case.

The charges stem from a pursuit on May 15, 2022, when two state troopers saw Barlow, who was wanted on unrelated charges, at the Eat'n Park in Springfield Township.

Barlow fled to his truck, and police said he drove along several back roads near the line between Mercer and Butler counties at speeds reaching 95 mph.

Police said Barlow evaded police and left the road. The troopers asked area residents if they had seen him, and one person said they saw Barlow drive through a back yard into nearby woods.

The troopers said they went into the woods, where they found Barlow and his vehicle.

Police said Barlow tried to flee once again by driving at a police officer. The officers reported shooting at the vehicle while moving out of the way.

One officer said Barlow attempted to kill him by running him over while the other said the two troopers would have been seriously injured if they had not moved out of the way.

With the officers out of the way, Barlow fled the scene and police were unable to follow.

Barlow was arrested days later after police received an anonymous tip that he was on Slippery Rock University's campus.

Wenger said in his opening statement that the defense will attempt to show that some of the prosecution's evidence does not make logical sense.

For example, Wenger said bullets fired by the troopers struck Barlow's vehicle on the passenger side, a detail that doesn't match the troopers' claim that Barlow was driving directly at them.

Wenger said he will also discuss the terrain, which he said was too rough for Barlow to quickly accelerate toward the officers.

The trial will continue at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

NOTE: All defendants are to be presumed innocent until proven or adjudicated guilty in court.

NOTE: This article was edited to correct the defendant's name, which had been entered incorrectly on court documents.