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2-County Police Chase Suspect Dies, Officer In Critical Condition

JACKSON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – A police officer was injured during a police chase that spanned two counties late Monday evening. The suspect died as a result of injuries sustained during a foot chase Tuesday afternoon.

According to police, Thomas Booth, 22, of Volant, was in his car in a church parking lot  on Blackburn Road in Sewickley Heights. An officer approached around 10:24 p.m. suspecting Booth was driving under the influence.

Booth failed to comply with the officer and fled from the scene.

The high-speed chase spanned 20 miles, and crossed into Butler County with speeds in excess of 100 mph on Interstate 79.

Police in Jackson Township deployed spike strips on I-79 near mile marker 83. With the tires deflated, the vehicular chase ended near mile marker 84.8.

Booth then tried to flee on foot by jumping from an overpass. He fell 22 feet onto Tollgate Road, where he was taken into custody.

"After the stop, the subject got out of the car. He jumped over the jersey barrier to flee on foot, which he apparently didn't know it was a 22-foot drop. He fell down. An officer from cranberry township also ran on foot after him, jumped over the jersey barrier and fell 22 feet also," Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Bradley Christie

Booth was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital where he later died.

Cranberry Police Lt. Dan Hahn, 47,  was flown to Allegheny General Hospital. He underwent surgery for neck and back injuries and is listed in critical condition.

Hahn is a 21-year veteran of the Cranberry Township police department.

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