Suspect in custody after chase through several communities

A Donora man is accused of leading state police on a chase through Rostraver and neighboring communities before being apprehended.

Troopers said they seized pills, suspected crack cocaine, paraphernalia and $440 from Andre Louis Wilkerson, 40.

While on patrol in Rostraver around 1 a.m. Saturday, police said they saw a Chevrolet Malibu with dark window tint and Wilkerson behind the wheel. They reported in court papers knowing Wilkerson was a wanted person.

Police followed the Chevrolet onto Finley Road and attempted a traffic stop, but Wilkerson fled, according to court papers. They eventually stopped him on Blind Lane in Belle Vernon with a PIT maneuver, when an officer uses their vehicle to push a fleeing vehicle sideways.

Troopers reported witnessing Wilkerson damage properties on Fayette Avenue and Fayette City Road during the pursuit. Two women in the car were not hurt. Wilkerson did not have a valid drivers license.

Bail was set at $75,000 and Wilkerson was being held at the Westmoreland County Prison. He is charged with fleeing from police, reckless endangerment and numerous vehicle code violations. He did not have an attorney listed in court records. A July 15 preliminary hearing is set.