Man Accused Of Leading Police On Overbrook Chase To Stand Trial
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A man accused of leading police on a chase that ended in a three-car collision will stand trial.
Richard Smith waived his preliminary hearing Tuesday afternoon.
Smith, 23, is still in custody after his arrest for his alleged role in a police chase and crash that shut down Saw Mill Run Boulevard for hours back in December.
Smith faces 28 charges in all related to the chase, including aggravated assault and fleeing and eluding officers.
"He is concerned. He has a very young child, just born, and he wants to be out there for them, but unfortunately, he has a couple cases to address," said defense attorney Michael Foglia.
Two people were injured in the chase that stretched over several different neighborhoods and nearly three miles.
Smith waived his case on to court, in part, his attorney said, because lab work showed that Smith was driving under the influence at the time.
"I basically was interested to see what the crime lab showed what was in the blood, and I feel there was sufficient evidence to go to court," said Foglia.
Folia said the lab work came back positive, with a trace amount of cocaine. Police found a small amount of cocaine at the scene.
Smith was returned to the Allegheny County Jail after his brief appearance in court. He faces a formal arraignment in April, but his attorney said it's possible that Smith would enter some type of rehab program if possible.
"I would imagine as soon as his paperwork is done, he will go into a program," Foglia said.
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