Stolen vehicle pursuit leads to large rescue operation on Monessen hillside

By the MVI

First responders spent several hours Sunday night at a large scale rescue operation in Monessen after several people went over a hillside.

Several people, including first responders, were rescued after going over a 600 foot hillside in Monessen. Murrysville Medic One photo.

Westmoreland County 911 said the operation started as a stolen vehicle pursuit where the suspects then took off on foot. Police detained the suspects, and a rescue operation ensued to bring them up the hillside, according to reports.

A large gathering of first responders was seen at the end of Dennis Avenue, near the woods overlooking Route 906 and the Monongahela River.

Several people needed to be brought up about 600-feet from the steep hillside. Everyone had been brought up by 8:51 p.m.

At least one of the suspects was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, a 911 supervisor said. One police officer self-transported to the hospital for an eye injury.

Westmoreland County rope rescue team 148 assisted Monessen police and firefighters with the rescue operation.

Numerous fire and police departments and ambulance personnel from neighboring counties were also called to assist.

Additional details were not available at press time Sunday.