Innocent Driver, State Trooper Injured In Vehicle Pursuit
NORTH UNION TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – A state trooper and innocent driver were injured as officers pursued a suspect in Fayette County Friday.
The trooper suffered a hip injury and the woman who was driving a red SUV sustained head injuries when their vehicles crashed while police were chasing another car.
It happened on Bute Road in North Union Township.
The state police SUV got involved in the chase when a man driving a dark-colored Ford Explorer reportedly drove into the path of a trooper on Route 119 north.
"As he went to pass the vehicle, the vehicle swerved into his lane, basically cutting him off for lack of a better term," said Trooper Stefani Lucas, of Pennsylvania State Police. "So he attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle. It was a darker in color Ford Explorer."
Police say the man started to pull over but kept going, heading for the exit to Bute Road. By then, the second trooper joined the chase.
The woman driving the red SUV on Bute Road pulled over to let the suspect and the trooper get by. But, apparently, she didn't see the second state police vehicle coming and turned left into his path.
"She turned left in front of him to make the left-hand turn up at the intersection there, and at which point he impacted her vehicle," said Trooper Lucas.
The pursuit was called off and the suspect got away. He was last seen heading towards Route 51.
"The fact that it wasn't the correct license plate that was on the vehicle is a violation in and of itself," Trooper Lucas said. "The fact that he swerved into the trooper that was traveling on 119 is another violation. I have no idea until we identify him if there are any other additional things going on with him."
Police have released this photo of the vehicle police were pursuing:
The woman was flown by medical helicopter to Ruby Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
State police think they know the identity of driver of the Ford Explorer that got away. Police say he almost hit a third trooper before getting away.
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to contact the Fayette County Crime Stoppers at 724-320-2042.
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