PENNSYLVANIA COMPUTER STOLEN The Herald Standard - Police capture suspect after chase
Police capture suspect after chase
Updated 09/09/2008 12:47:30 AM EDT
Monessen man is facing multiple charges, including attempted homicide, after he allegedly led state police troopers on a high-speed chase early Monday.
Trooper Charles M. Morrison said James Alexander Piskopus, 42, of 354 Parkway Ave. was charged Monday afternoon before Magisterial District Judge Wendy D. Dennis with criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault, two counts of robbery, terroristic threats, fleeing and eluding police, receiving stolentheft, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Trooper Brian Burden said the incident began around 4 a.m., when Piskopus allegedly property, stole a desktop computer from Wal-Mart in Dunbar Township.
Burden said Wal-Mart loss prevention officer Joseph Helm confronted Piskopus in the parking lot and a scuffle ensued during which Piskopus threatened to harm Helm with the computer.
Trooper Brian Burden said the incident began around 4 a.m., when Piskopus allegedly property, stole a desktop computer from Wal-Mart in Dunbar Township.
Burden said Wal-Mart loss prevention officer Joseph Helm confronted Piskopus in the parking lot and a scuffle ensued during which Piskopus threatened to harm Helm with the computer.
Morrison said Piskopus allegedly held the Compaq computer over his head and told Helm, "I'm going to smash you in the face."
Burden said Piskopus was able to get the computer into his vehicle and flee the store.
At that point, store employees contacted state police and provided a description of the suspect and the yellow Volkswagen he was operating.
Morrison said troopers Joel Guthrie and Nicholas Jordan were responding to the scene when they spotted the Volkswagen headed southbound on Route 119 and immediately gave chase.
Morrison said that Piskopus initially pulled over for police but then accelerated from the scene as the troopers were getting out of their patrol car.
A pursuit then ensued during which Piskopus drove his vehicle, which police discovered was reported stolen from the Belle Vernon area, across the grassy median and then continued to travel south in the northbound lanes of traffic, Burden said.
"The suspect was able to move his car with great agility during the chase and often was driving in circles," Burden said.
Morrison said Piskopus crossed the median on the road 12 times during the pursuit to try and elude police.
Eventually, Burden said the pursuing troopers used their police cruiser to strike the car but disabled their own vehicle in the process.
"At that point, the officers exited their car and tried to take the suspect into custody," Burden said.
Morrison said when Guthrie and Jordan ordered Piskopus from the vehicle, Piskopus instead accelerated toward the officers and narrowly missed striking them with his vehicle.
He said one of the troopers fired four rounds on the vehicle when it was coming toward them.
Burden said Piskopus's car became disabled farther down Route 119 and he then fled the vehicle on foot.
He was initially able to elude officers who called in a state police helicopter to help search for Piskopus, Burden said.
Police said he was found about one hour later near the Holiday Mobile Home Park in North Union Township allegedly riding a stolen bicycle and wearing stolen shoes. He was taken into custody and transported to the police barracks.
Burden said no one was injured during the chase.
The state police Records and Identification Unit were dispatched to the scene on Route 21 where officers cordoned off a large section of the roadway and collected evidence.
Burden said state police internal affairs officers were also contacted and will investigate the incident because a trooper fired shots.
Morrison added that Piskopus was wanted out of Monessen for additional charges and is on probation for prior charges in Westmoreland County. Morrison said Piskopus's record includes charges for robbery, theft and drug violations.
Piskopus was placed in the Fayette County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bond.
A preliminary hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 17 before Dennis.
Burden said Piskopus was able to get the computer into his vehicle and flee the store.
At that point, store employees contacted state police and provided a description of the suspect and the yellow Volkswagen he was operating.
Morrison said troopers Joel Guthrie and Nicholas Jordan were responding to the scene when they spotted the Volkswagen headed southbound on Route 119 and immediately gave chase.
Morrison said that Piskopus initially pulled over for police but then accelerated from the scene as the troopers were getting out of their patrol car.
A pursuit then ensued during which Piskopus drove his vehicle, which police discovered was reported stolen from the Belle Vernon area, across the grassy median and then continued to travel south in the northbound lanes of traffic, Burden said.
"The suspect was able to move his car with great agility during the chase and often was driving in circles," Burden said.
Morrison said Piskopus crossed the median on the road 12 times during the pursuit to try and elude police.
Eventually, Burden said the pursuing troopers used their police cruiser to strike the car but disabled their own vehicle in the process.
"At that point, the officers exited their car and tried to take the suspect into custody," Burden said.
Morrison said when Guthrie and Jordan ordered Piskopus from the vehicle, Piskopus instead accelerated toward the officers and narrowly missed striking them with his vehicle.
He said one of the troopers fired four rounds on the vehicle when it was coming toward them.
Burden said Piskopus's car became disabled farther down Route 119 and he then fled the vehicle on foot.
He was initially able to elude officers who called in a state police helicopter to help search for Piskopus, Burden said.
Police said he was found about one hour later near the Holiday Mobile Home Park in North Union Township allegedly riding a stolen bicycle and wearing stolen shoes. He was taken into custody and transported to the police barracks.
Burden said no one was injured during the chase.
The state police Records and Identification Unit were dispatched to the scene on Route 21 where officers cordoned off a large section of the roadway and collected evidence.
Burden said state police internal affairs officers were also contacted and will investigate the incident because a trooper fired shots.
Morrison added that Piskopus was wanted out of Monessen for additional charges and is on probation for prior charges in Westmoreland County. Morrison said Piskopus's record includes charges for robbery, theft and drug violations.
Piskopus was placed in the Fayette County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bond.
A preliminary hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 17 before Dennis.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment