A man is in custody after he allegedly kidnapped his own children and then led police on a wild chase through Darby and Philadelphia.
The ordeal began Friday around 10:45 p.m. after Mateen Jones, 36, of Philadelphia found out his ex-wife was out and had left their two children at her mother’s house in Darby Township, police told NBC10.
Jones, who police said was intoxicated at the time, allegedly drove to his former mother-in-law’s home, kicked in the door and grabbed his two sons, ages six and one.
Jones then placed them in his truck and drove off without buckling their seatbelts, according to investigators.
The boys’ grandmother then contacted police and gave a description of her former son-in-law’s truck to responding officers.
Police told NBC10 officers eventually spotted Jones’ truck and attempted to pull him over. Jones allegedly refused to stop however and continued traveling with his children inside.
Not wanting to engage in an all-out pursuit due to the children being inside the truck, police helicopters shined lights on Jones’ truck, allowing police cars to follow.
Jones drove along I-95 and ended up in South Philadelphia, police said. The chase finally ended on the railroad tracks near Christopher Columbus Boulevard and Reed Street after two of his tires blew out, according to investigators.
Jones was arrested and charged with burglary, criminal trespassing, reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of children, DUI, fleeing or attempting to allude and other related offenses. Police also told NBC10 Jones was driving with a suspended license.
He is currently being held in the Delaware County Prison.
None of the children were hurt during the incident.
Photo Credit: NBC10.com