Driver hits vehicle in Youngstown, injures two people

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A 45-minute chase in Pennsylvania that began in Mercer County and went through Lawrence County ended abruptly when the driver hit a tractor-trailer about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of West Commerce Street and Fifth Avenue in downtown Youngstown.

At least 15 police officers from numerous jurisdictions from Pennsylvania and Ohio, including the Youngstown and Youngstown State University police departments, were on the scene at the end of the chase.

Youngstown police Capt. Kevin Mercer said the driver of the Ford Ranger pickup, whom he did not identify, was uncooperative with police and was stunned twice before being transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital for treatment.

Mercer said the driver, who was alone in his vehicle, will be charged in Youngstown with hit-skip for leaving the scene of an accident after hitting a vehicle near the intersection of Oak Street and Lansdowne Boulevard on the East Side.

Two people in the vehicle struck by the pickup driver were injured and transported to a hospital. Their conditions were unknown late Tuesday.

Mercer said the pickup was not stolen, but that its cab contained suspicious items – meat and electronics – that may result in the driver being charged with receiving stolen property.

A Pennsylvania state trooper said the chase began in Mercer County near Interstate 80 and Interstate 376. He said the driver likely will be charged in Pennsylvania with fleeing the police.