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State Police Chase Begins In Washington County, Ends In Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) --- A lengthy police chase ended Friday morning in Pittsburgh's Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood.

The situation started in South Strabane Township, Washington County.

According to police, a man and 17-year-old girl backed the U-Haul van up to the lawn and garden department of the Walmart around 4 a.m.

They reportedly stole merchandise, including televisions and toys.

When police arrived, the two took off and got on Interstate 79 and the Parkway West. Pittsburgh Police joined the chase around 4:45 a.m.

While the vehicle was in motion, both suspects jumped out. The vehicle traveled for about 100 yards before striking a parked vehicle, fences and a tree.

The van came to a stop next to a house near the corner of Stayton Street and Brighton Road.

After a brief chase on foot, officers arrested Brandon Wheelers, 22, of Pittsburgh.

The woman living in the house, who did not want to be identified, said she was awakened by the sound of the van hitting the tree in front of her home.

"He must've abandoned the vehicle. It rolled down. It took out four fences," she said. "If it hadn't been for that tree my house would've probably been half demolished."

State Police in Washington are investigating.

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