2 Officers Injured, Man Arrested After Beaver Co. Chase
ALIQUIPPA (KDKA) – A 49-year-old suspect is behind bars after a police chase that left two Aliquippa Police officers injured, a police cruiser was damaged and a utility pole sheared.
Police say it all started when the suspect went to a used car lot asking to use their bathroom. When the answer was no, things took an ugly turn.
The suspect, Ronald Mercadante allegedly became so enraged, he pointed a gun at Jason Krotec, the owner of Kennedy Auto Sales, and his 7-year-old son who happened to be standing next to him.
Aliquippa Police Chief Don Couch says Krotec grabbed the gun from Mercadante and called 911. Mercadante reportedly yelled profanities and said he would be back.
"He made do on his threat. As officers were talking to the victim, the suspect pulled back into the parking lot, once he saw the police, he fled the scene," says Chief Couch.
There was a chase for about two minutes, but it didn't go without incident.
"At one point during the pursuit, the actor wrecked into one of our police cars, damaging the front end," said Chief Couch.
The chase ended when Mercadante sheared a telephone pole in half. By then, the suspect and two officers were injured.
"One officer was taken by ambulance to the hospital, suffered head injuries and eye injuries. I also had another officer who suffered a right hand injury as a result of taking the suspect into arrest," Chief Couch said.
The officers were treated for their injuries and released.
Mercadante remains in the Beaver County Jail on $25,000 bond. He has a preliminary hearing later this month.
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
