Teen passenger, drivers injured in Washington Twp. police chase crash
A Bridgeville man was charged Thursday for allegedly fleeing police in a stolen vehicle and colliding head-on with a truck in Washington Township last month, injuring his 16-year-old passenger, the other driver and himself.
Corey Nathaniel Schultz, 18, of South Hickory Grade Road was driving under the influence, with a blood-alcohol content of 0.16 – twice the legal limit – at about 9:30 p.m. Nov. 7 when he fled, according to court documents.
The chase concluded when Schultz crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic on Perry Avenue near the Drafthouse Bar and careened into a pickup truck, entrapping himself and his passenger. Washington Township Police Officer Bruce Tooch said the car was smoking, but Schultz could not immediately be freed because the engine was resting near his body and the front door was caved in. Tooch was able to pry the passenger door open, freeing the girl and carrying her to the side of the road. Firefighters were able to cut Schultz from the car.
The two were taken to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh by ambulance because medical helicopters were grounded for poor weather.
The other driver was able to leave his vehicle but complained of severe back pain. Washington Township police said he suffered a concussion and back injury.
Police said the girl suffered a severe laceration on her knee and required surgery on her hand. Schultz was released from the hospital, but has surgery scheduled next week for a leg injury.
Schultz allegedly stole the Buick Skylark from Marion Villa in Belle Vernon. Tooch was searching for the car when he saw Schultz leaving the housing project and attempted to stop him. He wrote in court documents that Schultz “immediately accelerated,” turning onto Perry Avenue and eventually stopped near Marion Elementary School.
When Tooch approached the car, Schultz allegedly fled again, turned right onto Hollywood Street and drove through a yard onto Route 201. Police briefly lost sight of him and soon found him in another yard nearby. He then allegedly fled again through the backyard and onto Route 201, then turned back onto Perry Avenue where he crashed.
He is charged with two counts each of aggravated assault by vehicle and aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and one count each of theft, receiving stolen property, endangering the welfare of children, DUI, fleeing or attempting to elude officer and criminal mischief.
Shultz has not yet been arraigned in the case.