Suspect Stable After Chase Ends In Exchange Of Gunfire With Police
MONROEVILLE (KDKA) - Police shot and wounded a man who led them on a 30-mile police chase from Murrysville to Bell Township Wednesday night.
Joshua Jesse, 41, has been charged with four counts of criminal attempted homicide and four counts of aggravated assault.
KDKA's Paul Martino Reports:
The suspect lives in the Alpine Village neighborhood of Murrysville. Monroeville Police said Jesse's family called and said they were concerned for his well-being.
Around 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, a source says Jesse left his home with multiple guns and a rifle. Neighbors say he had gotten into an argument with his wife.
She had reportedly asked police for a 302, a mental warrant to get him some help. Neighbors say he'd been in a lot of pain following hip replacement surgery.
Jesse drove into Bell Township, near Apollo, where his vehicle was spotted and the 20-mile police chase began.
The source said he bailed near the Beaver Run Reservoir and tried to get away on foot.
Frank Stefaniak lives on Stefaniak Drive, where the chase ended. He says he noticed flashing lights nearby and went to check out what was going on.
"I guess the guy came in under the bridge and went over there and there was a cable across the road. He picked the wrong road. It's a dead end," Stefaniak said.
A source said that's when Jesse reportedly opened fire on police. Police fired back, hitting Jesse.
"He raised and actually took shots at these four police officers. The police officers returned fire, striking Mr. Jesse in the torso, four times," said Trooper Steve Limani, of Pennsylvania State Police.
KDKA's Amy Wadas Reports:
"I was talking to my cousin two doors down when they took him out on a gurney. When I walked by I could hear him moaning in the back of the ambulance," Stefaniak said.
Nearby residents were placed on lockdown.
Jesse was flown to Forbes Hospital, where he was last listed in stable condition.
The Pennsylvania State Police Kiski Valley Barracks is handling the investigation.
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