CHURCHILL, Pa. — A 17-year-old driver crashed his car early Monday morning after allegedly leading police on a chase through several neighborhoods.
Authorities said the chase started in McKees Rocks and ended in Churchill when the driver crashed his car off the Greensburg Pike ramp from the Parkway East.
Police said the chase ensued after a McKees Rocks police officer tried to stop the car for driving with no headlights on.
McKees Rocks Police Chief Robert Cifrulak walked Channel 11’s Vince Sims through the officer’s dashboard camera video that captured the whole pursuit and explained why the officer gave chase.
"When he noticed the driver approached the intersection at Highland and Chartiers avenues, he had no intention of stopping. He actually passed cars and drove through the red light," said Cifrulak.
Police said the driver from Turtle Creek made it on to West Carson Street, where the driver reached speeds of about 65 mph, and eventually made it on to the Fort Pitt Bridge and the Parkway East, where speeds increased again.
"My officer noted that the driver was [traveling at] speeds of 80 mph and still passing cars on left and right sides," said Cifrulak.
Cifrulak said his officer ended the chase once they approached the Squirrel Hill Tunnels because the officer was losing his radio signal.
"Once you get out of that particular range, we start losing contact with repeaters and stuff. The sergeant was aware of that, and soon as he heard the officer wasn't having clear communication, he terminated the pursuit," said Cifrulak.
However, the driver did not get far. Police said the driver took the Greensburg Pike exit and crashed into the guide rail.
The driver was not injured in the crash.
Police said the17-year-old did not have a license and found what appeared to be crack cocaine on the floor of the car.
Police charged the teen with a number of driving violations, and he was taken to the Schuman Detention Center.