Trooper Flips Car, Injured In Mercer Co. Chase

NEW VERNON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - THE PITTSBURGH CHANNEL.com

A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was hospitalized and an Erie County man taken into custody following a chase on Interstate 79 in Mercer County Friday evening.

The pursuit started when police were chasing Jonathan Ackerman, 24, of Edinboro, who was wanted on a parole violation.

State police said Ackerman was spotted on I-79 in New Vernon Township and ended on Route 965. Police said speed reached more than 100 mph and two police vehicles were damaged.

"We tried to stop-stick the individual, he avoided that. He exited here on state Route 62," said Lt. Kirt Snyder.

In an attempt to end the pursuit, Trooper James Mason passed Ackerman and slowed his patrol car.

"At that point, Mr. Ackerman hit the trooper from behind, the (patrol) car went out of control, rolled over several times and the trooper was injured," Snyder said.

Mason was taken to a Youngstown, Ohio, hospital, where he remained under treatment Saturday in fair condition. A friend told WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Jon Greiner on Friday that Mason was alert and speaking.

Troopers chased Ackerman another half mile after he hit Mason until he was boxed-in and surrendered without further incident.

"Then they were able to stop his vehicle with a patrol car, at which time they went up and took him out of the car," said Snyder.

Ackerman faces charges several charges, including aggravated assault, fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence of alcohol, recklessly endangering another person and resisting arrest. He was taken to Grove City Hospital, where he was treated and released to police.

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