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Police: Man used heroin before crashing into store, pinning officers between cars

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A man admitted to driving under the influence when he crashed a vehicle into an auto parts store in Lawrence County, according to authorities.

Alexander Masi crashed into a New Castle business on Wednesday and then continued driving, police said. When two undercover officers approached the vehicle, Masi drove off.%

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New Castle Police Chief Robert Salem said that at one point, the officers became pinned between Masi’s vehicle and their own.

“Our guys followed (him and) stopped him two different times. (The) final time, he rolled over their feet. They finally pulled him out of the car,” Salem said.

The police officers suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene, officials said.

According to a criminal complaint, Masi admitted that he was a recovering heroin addict who relapsed a week ago and shot up before the incident.

A syringe and a spoon were recovered from the front seat of Masi’s vehicle, the complaint said.

“You see what drugs can do. People can really get hurt,” Salem said.

Masi faces several charges, including aggravated assault and fleeing and eluding police.