Watch CBS News

Police Car Rammed During Chase in West Homestead And Munhall

MUNHALL (KDKA) – It was a wild night in the Homestead and Munhall area after a man reportedly stole a car and then crashed it into police car during a chase, injuring an officer.

After 29-year-old James Pettus was released from the hospital, he was taken to the Allegheny County Jail by the officer he hurt during the chase and crash overnight.

 

It started around 2 a.m. when a woman parked her car along Dixon Street, left it running with the keys in it and then went down the street to the High Rollers Bar to go pick up some food.

Homestead and Munhall officers who were in the area for a shots fired call say the woman ran to them, saying her car had just been stolen.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

After an alert was put out, West Homestead officers spotted the car driven by Pettus. They tried to pull him over, but Pettus had other plans, throwing it into reverse and slamming into the passenger side of the West Homestead cruiser. Officer Steele was in that seat when the car crashed into him.

A chase went through Homestead and into Munhall. Police say Pettus ran stop signs and was speeding through neighborhoods. He stopped close to Andrew Street, got out and ran. Pettus was caught near the 1400-block of Margaret Street when officers tased the Homestead man.

When Pettus was taken into custody, he told police that he took the car because someone was shooting at him. Police say Pettus was drunk and had injuries to his face. Officer Steele from West Homestead was taken to Mercy Hospital for a hurt clavicle. He's going to be OK.

Pettus faces a long list of charges including aggravated assault while DUI, assault of a law enforcement officer and theft. He remains at the Allegheny County Jail.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.