ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The fugitive who was the subject of a brief manhunt late last week in Martins Ferry made a court appearance Wednesday.

Paul White appeared via video before Belmont County Northern Division Judge Chris Berhalter. White, 44, has addresses listed at 927 Technology Drive, Triadelphia, and at 2719 Charles St., Wheeling, according to court records. He faces a fourth– degree felony assault on a police officer charge and a first– degree misdemeanor escape charge.

White was being transported by Weirton police to the Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville when he allegedly faked a heart attack. When the officer pulled over near the Bob Evans restaurant on Ohio 7 at Aetna Street at the Martins Ferry/Bridgeport corporation limit to call for an ambulance, White reportedly escaped from the cruiser and fled on foot. Multiple law enforcement agencies converged on the scene for a search of the surrounding woods. Martins Ferry’s K– 9 Patch reportedly found White hiding under brush near the railroad tracks.

Berhalter on Wednesday granted a request from Assistant Public Defender Aaron Miller for a continuance of the preliminary hearing. Moore also asked that the charge of first– degree misdemeanor escape be set for trial.

Moore said he was still in the process of compiling evidence.

“I’m going to need time to talk not only to witnesses, but also to (Assistant Prosecutor Chris) Gagin and my client,” Moore said.

Berhalter set a hearing for later this month. He said the court will address those matters then or dismiss the case at the county level and refer it to the Belmont County grand jury’s August session.

“The escape charge will be set for trial and the preliminary hearing again continued. Both will be set for July 28,” Berhalter said, adding that bond will remain as previously set at $100,000.

White asked a question: “If I make bond, will they take me back to West Virginia?”

“Those are discussions you need to have with your attorney,” Berhalter said.

White had appeared Monday for an extradition hearing before Belmont County Common Pleas visiting Judge Shawn Hervey, where White waived extradition. It was noted there was a warrant for White in Hancock County for possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of methamphetamine.

Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flangan said after Wednesday’s hearing that in the event White would post bond, he would be transferred back to the custody of West Virginia authorities.