Hanover Officer Injured While Chasing Fugitive

HANOVER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A Washington County police officer is in the hospital after he was injured while chasing a fugitive in our area. The suspect and another man are in custody this morning.

Hanover Twp. Police Officer Kent Mitchell, 29, suffered a severe leg fracture during the pursuit.

Hanover Township Police Chief Jim Geho says he and Officer Mitchell were trying to pull over a vehicle that the suspect, Mark Lashorn, 23, was riding in; but both Lashorn and the driver got out of the vehicle and took off.

A chase ensued and Officer Mitchell fell on a hillside -- suffering a compound fracture to his leg. He was taken to the hospital and had to undergo surgery.

Lashorn, who was wanted in several states on various warrants, was taken into custody along with the driver, Brandon McGivern, 20.

Chief Geho told KDKA-TV that he went to the hospital to deliver that message to Officer Mitchell's parents. "I spoke to his parents at the hospital and made them aware that we had Lashorn in custody. As expected, they're extremely concerned about their son."

Mitchell has been a part-time officer with the Hanover Township Police Department for five years. He is also a full-time officer in the city of Washington.