PENN HILLS (KDKA) — A violent crash Friday morning, forced crews to close down Allegheny River Boulevard, between Nadine Road and Washington Boulevard.

The crash happened around 2:15 a.m.

It started when Pittsburgh Police tried to pull a car over along Hamilton Avenue in  Homewood around 2 a.m. Friday morning.

The driver, 38-year-old Richard Dopico, leading police on a brief chase down Washington Boulevard and over to Allegheny River Boulevard.

Police said the suspect was driving in excess of 80 miles per hour and had his lights turned off.

Because of the dangerous and wreckless driving, officers called off the pursuit.

About 30 seconds later, officers found the car crashed into a pole along Allegheny River Boulevard, near Nadine Road.

Dopico had been ejected from the car. He was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.

“It’s my understanding the whole crash scene covers about 500 feet,” Penn Hills Police Chief Howard Burton said.

The impact of the crash was so severe, the car’s engine block flew down the road.

But somehow, Dopico managed to survive.

“… he was found in the roadway, he was taken to Presbyterian Hospital,” Burton said.

Wires were also down across the road, due to the pole being hit.

The crash forced Allegheny River Boulevard to be closed for the morning rush and was closed between Nadine Road and Washington Boulevard until noon.

Police say they’re not sure why Dopico initially fled, but think alcohol and speed played a factor in the crash.

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