Jan 10, 2017 2 min read

A Bridgeville man who led police on a chase before crashing into a cruiser will serve jail time after pleading guilty Monday in Washington County Court.

Chester Kasianczuk, 41, of Bridgeville, pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault, fleeing and eluding police and reckless endangerment.

According to Assistant District Attorney John Friedmann, Kasianczuk was seen March 12 leaving a home in Washington known for drug activity and he failed to stop his vehicle for Washington police Officer Von Lacock.

A chase through the city to the Jefferson Avenue entrance to Interstate 70 ensued. Near the Route 19-Murtland Avenue exit, state Trooper Davon Allensworth attempted to stop Kasianczuk’s vehicle, which ran into the state police patrol car. As it spun, the state police vehicle struck the side of Lacock’s patrol car.

Kasianczuk, meanwhile, continued to drive east on I-70 at more than 100 mph for nearly 18 miles before crashing his vehicle into a hillside just past the Centerville exit. In an interview with state police, Kasianczuk said he fled in fear.

Judge Michael Lucas sentenced Kasianczuk to state prison for 2 1/2 to 5 years, to be followed by three years of probation. He also faces recommitment for a state parole violation in connection with a 2011 arson conviction in Northumberland County. The law requires that the sentence Lucas imposed Monday must be served consecutively to any state parole violation penalty. A judicial database also shows that the defendant has a lengthy criminal record from other parts of the state.

“Any time where an individual ignores lawful commands of the police to stop creates a very unsafe situation,” said District Attorney Gene Vittone.

Records show that Kasianczuk was represented by attorney Adam M. Bishop, court-appointed counsel.