Police: Motorcyclist Charged After Nearly Running Down State Trooper On Parkway
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A motorcycle rider from Maryland is faces charges, accused of nearly running down a state trooper.
Authorities say the incident happened around 4:40 p.m. Tuesday on the inbound Parkway coming down Green Tree Hill.
State police say the trooper saw the motorcyclist, identified as Alexandre Rattes of Derwood, Maryand, traveling down the shoulder of busy Interstate 376, passing numerous vehicles, near the Fort Pitt Tunnels.
According to the criminal complaint, the trooper said he activated the lights on his cruiser and got out of his cruiser and waved at Rattes to pull over.
But, instead, investigators say Rattes sped away into the left lane, turned around, accelerated and nearly struck the trooper.
The trooper immediately moved away in fear of being crushed and was able to push Rattes, who then crashed his motorcycle.
Rattes was taken into custody and transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital, where he told investigators he never saw the trooper trying to stop him. Police say Rattes claimed he's not a U.S. citizen, doesn't have a valid driver's license and that he never saw the trooper standing next to his vehicle.
The trooper only suffered some scrapes and bruises in the incident.
He is now facing charges of fleeing or attempting to elude police, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and other traffic violations.
He's now in the Allegheny County Jail.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
