Vehicle slams into Butler home during late-night police chase
A home in the city of Butler was heavily damaged when a vehicle slammed through the front of the building during a late-night police chase.
"It was devastating. It was scary," Tonya Green, who lives across the street, said.
The crash happened at a home near the intersection of New Castle Street and Hansen Avenue during a police chase just before midnight on Monday, dispatchers said.
One person was taken to the hospital from the crash that dispatchers said was originated by Pennsylvania State Police troopers.
State police later confirmed the pursuit began at the Sheetz location along New Castle Street in Butler Township. Troopers observed a silver Volkswagen Jetta with a man, later identified as Joseph Bailie, in the driver's seat.
The vehicle was running, and the headlights were on, but Bailie appeared to be unconscious, as his head was slumped over and he was not moving, police said.
Troopers knocked on the vehicle windows to get Bailie's attention and made multiple requests for identification, but he began to flee soon after, shifting the vehicle into drive and striking the concrete pole in front of him.
Bailie then shifted into reverse and accelerated at a high rate of speed, almost striking one of the troopers, police added.
During the pursuit, police say Bailie approached the intersection of Hansen Avenue and State Route 356, attempted to negotiate a right turn onto Hansen Avenue, but lost control of the vehicle due to his speed. He then crashed into the residence.
"I heard this big bang," Green said.
KDKA's news crew at the scene observed that the front of the home was heavily damaged, with caution tape blocking off part of the area.
"It's a mess!" Green said.
It appeared that the vehicle, which was removed from the scene, had slammed through the front porch and into the home. The residence was vacant at the time of the incident, police confirmed.
Bailie proceeded to exit the vehicle and fled into the residence, where he was found and taken into custody. He has been charged with fleeing to elude a police officer, reckless endangerment, DUI, and various traffic violations.