Watch CBS News

Ross Twp. Police Chase Ends In Crash, Suspect Injured

ROSS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – A police chase suspect was injured after crashing into a utility pole in Ross Township Friday morning.

The suspect is 46-year-old Sean McKnight. McCandless Police began pursuing him when they say he broke into his parents' home, stole money, and then fled in his parents' car.

"His fleeing and driving caused almost multiple accidents along McKnight Road," Sgt. Benjamin Dripps of Ross Township Police said.

The chase led police down McKnight Road and onto Babcock Boulevard, where police say he ran a red light and narrowly missed several cars.

In a cell phone video, police can be seen pulling him over at Cemetery Lane. McKnight then pulled away, narrowly missing police officers and ramming a police car along the way.

"He refused to exit the vehicle. This time, he actually kept it in drive," Dripps said. "He was boxed in. During the encounter, he did strike multiple police units."

It all ended on Babcock Boulevard near Three Degree Road around 11 a.m. Police say he intentionally slammed into a utility pole, shearing it and flipping his car.

Hilary Feyer, who runs the pet grooming shop right across the street from where it happened, witnessed the incident.

"It was kind of a gut-wrenching, scary bit of time here," she said. "It appeared that he was charging at the officers. We couldn't quite tell, but saw the officers with their weapons. They appeared to have detained him."

McKnight climbed out of the wreckage and allegedly ran towards police with guns drawn. Police say he was screaming "Just kill me" as he lunged at heavily armed officers.

"He was able to exit the car on his own," Dripps said. "And again, this was an attempt to assault officers, and we believe it was an attempt at suicide by cop."

Police say they used restraint, and they were able to stop him with a taser.

McKnight is being treated at Allegheny General Hospital and is expected to be taken to the county jail, facing a long list of charges.

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

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.