Jun 23, 2017 2 min read

A police chase that started in South Strabane Township ended with a vehicle crash and arrest in Allegheny County early Friday.

According to a report by South Strabane police, a man identified by state police as Brandon Wheeler, 22, of Pittsburgh, and a 17-year-old girl backed a U-Haul van with Arizona license plates up to the lawn and garden department of Walmart, 30 Trinity Point Drive, about 4:20 a.m. and allegedly loaded stolen merchandise, including two large televisions.

The pair allegedly fled north on Interstate 79, where the van was spotted by state police. Troopers activated their emergency lights and sirens, but the vehicle did not stop, and the pursuit continued for about 15 miles, onto Interstate 376 eastbound.

State police said the van exited onto Greentree Road and proceeded into Pittsburgh.

While on Stayton Street on the North Side of the city, the girl allegedly jumped from the passenger side while the vehicle was still moving.

Wheeler then allegedly jumped from the driver’s seat. The van continued to travel for about 100 yards, striking a parked vehicle and fence before coming to rest against a tree.

After a chase on foot, Wheeler was taken into custody.

Charges of fleeing, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property and retail theft were filed against Wheeler, who was arraigned before District Judge Jay Weller and placed in Washington County jail on $100,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled July 3.

There was no immediate information about whether the teenage girl was injured or arrested.

State police said the investigation continues.