ROCKY GROVE, Pa. (EYT) — A routine traffic stop in Rocky Grove late Thursday night turned into a police pursuit that ended in a fiery crash with four people being taken to the hospital, including one by life-flight.
(Photos courtesy of the Sugarcreek Borough Police Department)
At 11:50 p.m., Sugarcreek Borough Senior Patrolman Joe Highfield attempted a traffic stop of a 1997 Toyota Camry Sedan with four occupants on Lamberton Street in the Village of Rocky Grove.
According to a police report, the vehicle, operated by a known male, fled, and a pursuit ensued to Route 417 northbound through Dempseytown on Route 428. At the intersection of Route 428 and Davison Road, the vehicle being pursued traveled off the roadway at a sharp right curve and struck several trees before catching fire.
The fire was extinguished by police units, and medical treatment was rendered at the scene with the driver of the vehicle being taken to UPMC Seneca to have blood drawn under the suspicion of being intoxicated. That individual, who was admitted to UPMC, was complaining of pain while en route to the hospital.