Man Reportedly Couldn’t Spell His Own Fake Names During Traffic Stop

A Kutztown man is facing a long list of charges after a traffic stop in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, turned into a series of failed attempts to hide his identity. According to court records, the incident happened on August 27 after police received a tip about a vehicle with a loud exhaust system.

Police Say The Driver Gave Fake Names That He Couldn’t Spell

An off-duty officer reported the car and told responding officers, “You’ll definitely hear it when you see it.” Moments later, police heard the “loud, constant growl” of a gold Saturn in the area of Erb and North Warren streets. The vehicle was stopped near Lee Court, and the driver quickly drew suspicion.

False Names and Illegible Handwriting

The driver, later identified as 46-year-old Christopher Michael Macrae, immediately tried to pass himself off as someone else. Police say he first identified himself as “John Matlon” and gave a false date of birth. When officers pressed for clarification, Macrae struggled to spell the name and even failed to write it down legibly on multiple attempts.

Macrae went on to offer other names, including “Rordin” and “John Rond Matenn,” though none matched any official records. Police noted that he mispronounced and misspelled these names while attempting to convince them of his identity. Eventually, officers placed him in custody when it became clear he was being intentionally deceptive.

Drugs discovered during the search

During a search, officers say they found a small bag containing methamphetamine hidden inside a cigarette pack. Later, at the State Police barracks in Schuylkill Haven, Macrae reportedly displayed erratic behavior, rocking back and forth, twitching, and emitting high-pitched whines. He also struggled with sobriety tests and slurred his speech.

When he was transferred to Schuylkill County Prison on a bench warrant, correctional officers reportedly discovered two additional baggies of marijuana during intake, despite Macrae’s claim he had no contraband.

Facing felony and misdemeanor charges

Police have filed a lengthy list of charges against Macrae. These include felony counts of DUI of a controlled substance (fourth offense) and possession of contraband. He is also charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, unsworn falsification, and multiple counts of giving false identification to police.

Additional summary traffic offenses include driving with a suspended license, operating an uninspected vehicle, and driving without proper emissions certification.
Macrae is being held on $15,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 7 before Magisterial District Judge AJ Serina.

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