Police: Butler man led high-speed chase into Armstrong County, stole vehicle
State police are looking for a man they pursued on a high-speed chase through Butler and Armstrong counties and who attempted to strike a trooper before fleeing on foot and possibly stealing a car on Monday, Oct. 20, according to a Tuesday news release.
Police said they were not able to locate Ronald Piper, 46, of Butler, after the chase Monday and believe he stole a vehicle along Bear Road in Armstrong County before leaving it along Route 422 in Clearfield Township.
There is an active arrest warrant for Piper for aggravated assault, according to police.
Monday’s chase began in Forward Township, Butler County, just after 4:30 p.m. following a report of a possible burglary and ended in East Franklin Township, Armstrong County.
Images from an eyewitness, Zach Scherer, and emergency dispatch reports indicated a heavy police presence Monday evening in the area of the intersection of Route 268 and Reesedale Road in Armstrong County.
Police said during the pursuit, Piper attempted to intentionally strike a state trooper with his vehicle while the trooper was standing off of the roadway after having deployed spike strips.
According to police, the pursuit by vehicle ended when Piper drove into a wooded area and fled on foot. Police searched into the evening, but they were unable to locate Piper.
At 5 a.m. Tuesday, Pennsylvania State Police Kittanning received a report of a stolen vehicle near where the pursuit ended, which they believe Piper stole after crashing.
The stolen vehicle was recovered on Route 422 near Swartzlander Lane in Clearfield Township, Butler County.
State police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Kittanning station at 724-543-2011 and speak to Tpr. Swartz.
