Whitehall police officer injured after being dragged by vehicle fleeing traffic stop
WHITEHALL (KDKA) -- A Whitehall police officer was injured Saturday after being dragged by a vehicle that took off from a traffic stop.
Police tried to pull the vehicle over around 3:45 a.m. at Route 51, near Beall Drive.
According to Allegheny County Police, the driver of the vehicle was taken into custody after the DUI stop without incident.
However, the passenger would not comply, and then jumped into the driver's seat of the vehicle as officers attempted to remove him. He put the car into drive and grabbed one of the officers.
The officer was dragged approximately 240 feet before he was thrown.
The officer was injured and taken to a local hospital for treatment and was released.
Police describe the vehicle as a 2018 Chrysler 300 with Pennsylvania plates reading LNY 9582 and the suspect was identified as a heavyset middle-aged Black man, possibly from McKeesport. Police said they've since found the car, but are still trying to identify the man.
On Monday, Whitehall Police Chief Jason Gagorik said they are "confident that we are closing in on the suspect."
The injured officer visited the Whitehall police station Monday. Chief Gagorik said he is eager to get back to work.
In a statement, the chief said, "The Whitehall Borough Police Department is overwhelmed by the continued support from our community. This is a difficult time for the injured officer, his family, and all department members. Your kind words and gifts have given all of us the strength and determination to carry on our duties. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers."
Allegheny County police is helping Whitehall police with the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS or 911.
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
