The man who stole a vehicle and led police on a chase through Allegheny County before crashing off a hillside has been identified. Authorities say Richard Russell, 27, stole the vehicle when its owner went inside of a gas station in Butler to make a purchase Wednesday afternoon. Surveillance video captures the moment of the crash: Watch the video aboveNorthern Regional Police Chief Bryan DeWick told Pittsburgh's Action News 4 that officers encountered the stolen vehicle southbound on Route 8 and followed the car until the driver turned onto a dead-end street."At that point, we attempted a traffic stop, and the suspect drove through several yards and evaded our officers. We had no further contact with the suspect after that," DeWick said in an email.The vehicle continued through Allegheny County, where it appeared to speed through a parking lot then crashed over an embankment, around 80 feet down and into a creek. Firefighters and EMS were able to get Russell out of the crashed vehicle and he was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries. Russell's injuries are believed to be not life-threatening. Video from Sky 4, Pittsburgh's only news chopper, showed the blue car on its roof among heavy brush in a wooded area near 8th Avenue. The vehicle remained stuck for several hours before it could be removed by a tow truck. Sky 4 flies over the crash scene: Watch the video above Shaler police said that police in Butler would be handling the investigation. Pittsburgh's Action News 4 has reached out to Butler police for more information.This is a developing story. Stay with Pittsburgh's Action News 4 for updates.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.
GLENSHAW, Pa. —
The man who stole a vehicle and led police on a chase through Allegheny County before crashing off a hillside has been identified.
Authorities say Richard Russell, 27, stole the vehicle when its owner went inside of a gas station in Butler to make a purchase Wednesday afternoon.
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Surveillance video captures the moment of the crash: Watch the video above
Northern Regional Police Chief Bryan DeWick told Pittsburgh's Action News 4 that officers encountered the stolen vehicle southbound on Route 8 and followed the car until the driver turned onto a dead-end street.
"At that point, we attempted a traffic stop, and the suspect drove through several yards and evaded our officers. We had no further contact with the suspect after that," DeWick said in an email.
The vehicle continued through Allegheny County, where it appeared to speed through a parking lot then crashed over an embankment, around 80 feet down and into a creek.
Firefighters and EMS were able to get Russell out of the crashed vehicle and he was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injuries. Russell's injuries are believed to be not life-threatening.
Video from Sky 4, Pittsburgh's only news chopper, showed the blue car on its roof among heavy brush in a wooded area near 8th Avenue. The vehicle remained stuck for several hours before it could be removed by a tow truck.
Sky 4 flies over the crash scene: Watch the video above
Shaler police said that police in Butler would be handling the investigation. Pittsburgh's Action News 4 has reached out to Butler police for more information.
This is a developing story. Stay with Pittsburgh's Action News 4 for updates.
Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.
