ONLY ON 11: Police chief speaks about Thanksgiving Day crash that left family dead

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — For the first time since the Thanksgiving Day crash that left three people, including a 2-year-old girl, dead, East McKeesport’s police chief sat down Thursday to speak exclusively with Channel 11 News.

East McKeesport Police Chief Russ Stroschein said his officers are still dealing with the outcome of a police pursuit in North Versailles that ended with the pursued vehicle crashing into the car of an innocent young family.

RELATED CONTENT:

• Vigil held for young family killed in Thanksgiving police-chase crash
• VIDEO: Loved ones mourn loss of innocent couple, toddler killed in Thanksgiving police chase crash
• VIDEO: Driver faces homicide charges in police-chase crash that killed couple, 2-year-old daughter
• VIDEO: Child among 3 killed in N. Versailles police chase crash; Driver faces homicide charges

David Bianco, 28, Kailey Meininger, 21, and their 2-year-old daughter, Annika, were all killed after the collision caused their vehicle to burst into flames.

Stroschein said one of his officers initially pulled over Demetrius Coleman over an illegal turn and learned he was driving without a license. He explained that the officer was going to get someone to drive Coleman and his passenger home and not file any charges.

However, after the veteran officer ran Coleman’s information, he learned about a warrant out for his arrest, Stroschein said.

“He immediately calls North Versailles for back up. Within about one minute, backup arrives. They approach the vehicle on foot, and as they’re approaching, Mr. Coleman rolls up his window and speeds out of the parking lot,” the police chief said.

Sources told Channel 11 News that a North Versailles officer reached speeds of nearly 100 mph chasing Coleman until the crash at the intersection of Route 30 and Route 49.

Earlier this week, though, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala criticized the East McKeesport officer’s actions.

“What he does is he gets back in his car and permits the defendant to sit in his vehicle. I got a problem with that,” Zappala said.

Stroschein said he disagrees with Zappala’s assessment.

“I respect what Mr. Zapalla says, but I don't have a problem with what my officer did (in) calling for backup immediately,” the police chief said.

The chase has raised more questions about the differences in chase policies throughout the county.

Channel 11 News asked Stroschein if he believes there should be one uniform policy.

“That's hard to say. If one could be made that everybody could agree upon, possibly,” he said.

Coleman, 22, is charged with three counts of homicide in connection with the fatal crash.

Cox Media Group