Regardless of his eventual fate in the courts, Bruce A. Locke, 42, is a lucky man.

Despite the fact that state troopers had to use Tasers while taking him into custody, Locke should consider himself lucky.

Despite the many charges that he faces stemming from a high-speed chase through Butler, he shouldn’t fret about them, but instead count his blessings.

Based on his irresponsible — indeed, unconscionable — conduct, he could be facing vehicular homicide charges bringing much longer prison time than the charges currently filed against him.

When he eventually goes before a judge for sentencing, the judge should resist any leniency. Locke refused to turn his life around after numerous previous brushes with the law — for such crimes as burglary, indecent assault, theft and four incidents of drunken driving.

What he allegedly did last Friday deserves no compassion because it could have been dis-astrous. His actions could have caused numerous fatalities, and other injuries.

Friday’s incident began about 9:35 p.m. on Route 422 in Butler Township when his pickup truck was clocked at 77 mph in a 55 mph zone. Locke allegedly was operating the truck while his license was under suspension due to one of his DUI cases.

With police in pursuit, Locke exited Route 422 at Jefferson Street, where he began driving wildly, passing vehicles on the left and right, eventually getting to his house at 121 Heim Ave. on Butler’s South Side, where he locked himself in the basement.

Police kicked down the door; Locke resisted arrest. In the process, a trooper’s hand was injured, and police had to use Tasers to bring Locke under control.

Locke’s irresponsible conduct put many innocent people at risk that night. It was others’ ability to avoid his vehicle that kept Locke from much more serious charges.

But as far as the courts are concerned, there should be no more patience with him.

Instead of getting a job that would help him support himself and his wife, Locke apparently prefers to drink excessively.

He should be given plenty of time to dry out in prison, along with treatment to help him avoid repeating the past.