Watch CBS News

Police Shoot Suspect After Chase Ends In Lawrence Co.

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (KDKA/AP) - Police shot a suspect following a two-county chase early Tuesday morning.

State police say the incident began when Shenango Township police near New Castle tried to pull over what's being called a suspicious vehicle about 3:30 a.m.

That vehicle drove off, with several local departments and the state police joining in. State police say a man and woman were inside the car that officers were pursuing.

The suspect, later identified as Shawn Hobel, led police on a chase through parts of Lawrence and Butler counties before it ended near the merge point of State Route 422 and Interstate 376 in Union Township.

shawn-hobel
(Photo Credit: Facebook)

"It wasn't a lengthy pursuit. It was a matter of 10 - 15 minutes," Trooper James Long said.

Officers blocked the suspect as he tried to turn make an illegal U-turn in an attempt to travel east in the westbound lanes of State Route 422.

At that time, Hobel held a gun to the female passenger's head and screamed that he was going to shoot her.

A New Castle police officer fired multiple shots and struck Hobel in the chest, abdomen and arms.

Hobel's grandmother said her grandson was shot six times.

"I'm just thankful that when they did shoot him, they didn't hit him in the head and kill him," she said.

Hobel's grandmother says her grandson was depressed over the death of his grandfather, and he even told her he was not going to let police take him alive.

"Because his grandfather just passed away three months ago, and he couldn't stand it no more," she said.

Tropper Jim Long tells the "KDKA Morning News" the pursuit ended without a crash and that no officers were injured.

Shenango Township police, New Castle police and state police were all involved in the chase.

"[The suspect is] in the hospital getting treatment for his injuries. He hasn't been released, and I don't have an update for his status," Trooper Long said.

The woman later told police Hobel was involved in several recent armed robberies around the New Castle area.

Hobel's grandmother also said he was addicted to drugs.

"He got back into the drugs because he was running with some people that was into them," she said. "I've tried to talk to him about drop them."

Hobel is facing a list of charges including, aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, weapons violations and various traffic violations.

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

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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.