State Trooper Injured In Washington Co. Chase
CANTON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was injured during a chase Wednesday night in Washington County.
According to State Police, it all started around 9 p.m. in North Franklin Township, when a trooper noticed a white Ford Fusion driving erratically on Franklin Farms Road.
The trooper followed the vehicle westbound on State Route 40. When he turned on his lights, police say the suspect accelerated away and that's when the pursuit began.
Police say 70-year-old Jay Harris refused to pull over.
They say Harris turned onto Elwood Park Drive in Canton Township and tried to pass another car. That's when Harris struck a curb, lost control, went down an embankment and hit a fence.
The trooper approached the car to arrest Harris. That's when police say Harris threw the car in reverse and backed over the trooper's right leg, pinning him under the vehicle.
"The trooper went down the hill on foot to remove the operator from the vehicle. At that point, the occupant of the vehicle threw the car in reverse and attempted to back over the trooper," Rick Jardine, of the Pennsylvania State Police, said.
Jardine said the car went onto the trooper's right leg and pinned him underneath it.
Troopers had to physically remove Harris from the car.
The injured trooper was removed from under Harris' car and taken to Washington Hospital for treatment.
"He was in good condition last night when he left the hospital," Jardine said. Hopefully, all will go well and have a speedy recovery."
People who live near Harris say he's a nice guy.
"Decent guy. Never heard much bad about him. Put it that way," Ralph D'Andrea said.
D'Andrea says Harris' mom passed away a few years ago.
"I think it took a big affect on him because she was his rock, you know," D'Andrea said.
Neighbors say Harris doesn't normally drive. Several say he was driving without a license and using his sister's car.
Harris was arraigned Thursday on charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, fleeing and eluding from police and other traffic violations. He was released on his own recognizance.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
You May Also Be Interested In These Latest News Stories
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
