2 state police troopers injured in chase with erratic driver

By BRIAN C. RITTMEYER
TribLive

Two state police troopers were hurt at the end of a multi-county chase that began after state police responded to a report of an erratic driver on Interstate 79 in North Strabane, Washington County early Saturday morning.

State police filed numerous charges against the driver, identified as Frank Cope Jr., 54, of Carroll Township.

According to a criminal complaint, troopers found Cope driving a BMW sedan at speeds up to 85 mph in a 55 mph zone and weaving and swerving. When they tried to pull him over, Cope fled at a high speed onto I-70 eastbound.

State police said the first attempt to stop Cope with a PIT maneuver did not work and left a state police patrol unit disabled.

The pursuit continued on roads in Washington, Westmoreland and Fayette counties, during which police said Cope unsafely passed other vehicles, drove in the opposite lanes and drove at unsafe speeds.

Spike strips deployed on Route 51 deflated the car’s front left tire, but police said Cope continued to flee south on Route 51.

At a location in North Union Township, Fayette County, Cope’s car hit another state police patrol car and he began driving south in the northbound lanes, according to the complaint.

State police said a second PIT maneuver was tried, but Cope accelerated, hitting another state police patrol car and ramming another one broadside, injuring two troopers, the complaint says.

Cope’s car was disabled and the pursuit ended.

According to the complaint, Cope refused to comply with orders to get out of his car. It says troopers used Tasers and “substantial physical force” to take Cope into custody.

State police said Cope appeared to be dazed and drowsy, with bloodshot and watery eyes. There was an odor of alcohol from his body, and state police said they found drug paraphernalia in the car.

Cope was taken to Uniontown Hospital.

Charges against Cope include simple and aggravated assault, resisting arrest, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended or revoked license and traffic offenses.

Cope did not have an attorney listed in court records.

Cope was denied bail as a danger to society when he was arraigned and sent to the Fayette County jail, according to court records. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 27.