Man accused of trying to hit trooper with vehicle during multi-county pursuit

State police are looking for a man who they say led them on a chase and is still on the run.

The chase ended on Route 268 in Franklin Township, Armstrong County, on Monday night after state police placed spike strips on the road.

At one point, neighbors told Channel 11 there were nearly 15 cruisers along the road.

Troopers said they were trying to stop this Ronald Piper of Butler. They said they were initially investigating a report of criminal trespassing and theft just before 5 p.m.

They were looking for a silver van in the area. The van was spotted, troopers said, being driven by Piper. They tried to pull him over, but say he sped off.

“He was coming pretty good, I’d say,” said one neighbor.

That neighbor who witnessed the chase come to an end near his house did not want to be on camera.

Two other troopers, identified in court papers as Troopers Cavanaugh and Waltenbaugh, put spike strips on the road.

Troopers said Piper ran over the spike strips on Route 268 near Boltz Road. That’s when troopers said Piper turned his van off the road and drove in the direction of Trooper Waltenbaugh, who had to run out of the way.

Troopers and witnesses said Piper then drove into the woods.

“It’s hilly, real thick brush, pine trees,” the neighbor said. “It’s bad to get through. I hunt down there all the time. It’s bad.”

Troopers said Piper crashed in the woods and ran off. Neighbors said police searched the area for hours, using a helicopter and a K-9.

They were unable to find Piper Monday night, and he is still on the run.

Troopers said after Piper crashed, he made it to Bear Road and stole a car. That car was found damaged on Tuesday morning, around 5 a.m., in Clearfield Township, Butler County.

Troopers said he then stole another car — a gray 2005 Honda Civic.

“I’m hopeful they find him,” the neighbor said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or where Piper may be is asked to contact PSP Kittanning Station at 724-543-2011 and speak with Trooper Swartz.

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