McKees Rocks police catch car jacker
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It took a high-speed chase, a pursuit on foot, and a scuffle, but two McKees Rocks police officers on routine patrol spotted a car jacking in progress and arrested a suspect.
A news release from the McKees Rocks Police Department said Officers Zack Martsolf and Steve Maritz were on routine patrol at the Shoppes at Chartiers Crossing when they witnessed what they believed was a car jacking occurring on Stanhope Street.
The officers saw the driver of a dark-colored Pontiac Bonneville attempt to strike a man who was running from the path of the car while screaming, "Give me my car back!"
The Pontiac reached a speed approaching 100 mph, hitting a fire hydrant, as it fled from the officers who pursued it on West Carson Street.
After the vehicle crashed into a barrier at the top of the West End circle exit ramp, the driver - identified by police as Troy Naylor, 23, of Pittsburgh - shifted the vehicle into reverse then backed into the McKees Rocks patrol car. Officer Martsolf was slightly injured as he was exiting his patrol car when the vehicles collided.
Mr. Naylor then ran from the scene with Officer Martsolf in pursuit on foot. "Officer Martsolf tackled Naylor and then utilized pepper spray to subdue him,'' the news release reads. It was noted that Officer Martsolf sustained additional minor injuries int he scuffle.
The police investigation revealed that Mr. Naylor had forced the vehicle from a resident of Coraopolis who Mr. Naylor had threatened to kill and who he ultimately tried to run down with the vehicle for failing to repay a debt.
Mr. Naylor was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault on a police officer, fleeing police, driving under the influence, and driving under suspension. He is incarcerated at Allegheny County Jail. Police said additional charges may be filed.
First Published February 5, 2012 2:02 pm
