Man jailed after police chase
A Library man faces charges after allegedly leading police on a chase that started in Union Township and ended in South Park, Allegheny County, just before 3 a.m. Friday.
Richard Allen Lewis, 37, of 2948 Sebolt Road, is accused of nearly striking a Monongahela police officer during the pursuit.
Officer Dustin DeVault was patrolling Route 88 in the area of Boyka Drive when he observed a car, later determined to be driven by Lewis, traveling south with no lights on. DeVault activated his lights and siren in order to make a traffic stop, but the vehicle accelerated, traveling through Finleyville and onto Route 88 north at a high speed. DeVault said the vehicle continued with no lights, often swerving out of its lane, into South Park Township.
When the vehicle slowed and almost came to a stop, DeVault said he drove around the vehicle and stopped the police car. As DeVault was getting out of the driver’s seat, Lewis allegedly accelerated suddenly, striking the police car and almost hitting DeVault.
Lewis allegedly drove to an alley near Grandview Avenue, abandoned the car and fled into the woods.
Officers from several departments responded to the scene. Lewis was detained by a police K9 after allegedly struggling with officers.
Officers said Lewis appeared lethargic and said he “got scared” and knew the vehicle he was driving was illegal, with no inspection or insurance. Lewis’ father reportedly was a passenger in the car and told police that he told his son to stop and pull over several times.
Lewis was transported to Monongahela Valley Hospital, where blood samples were drawn.
DeVault was treated at the scene by Tri Community South EMS for injuries to his left arm and side after falling during the foot pursuit.
Lewis was charged with aggravated assault, fleeing, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, reckless driving, causing an accident involving damage, driving with no lights, failure to stop at a stop sign and operating a vehicle without inspection and insurance. He was arraigned before District Judge Curtis Thompson and placed in Washington County Jail on $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled Tuesday.