Police: Chase from Gilpin to Bethel Township results in arrest, officer injured
A Kittanning man is in the Armstrong County Jail and a Gilpin police officer is on medical leave following a pursuit that started in Gilpin and ended in a fight in Bethel Township.
Kristopher Kirkwood, 36, is charged with three counts of aggravated assault, two counts each of simple assault and fleeing or attempting to elude officers, driving under the influence, careless driving, driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest.
The charges stem from an incident shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday.
Gilpin police Chief Chris Fabec said one of his officers noticed a motorcycle with no visible license plate traveling northbound along Route 66.
It was spotted a short time later at the Kalmar Chevrolet dealership and then took off down the main thoroughfare to Ice Pond Road, where police attempted to make a traffic stop.
The driver, later identified as Kirkwood, took off down Route 66 going between 75 and 80 mph before turning onto Grantz Hollow Road and eventually coming to a stop, Fabec said.
Cpl. Dalton VanWhy repeatedly gave commands to Kirkwood, who became combative, Fabec said.
“He wouldn’t comply, and he was ordered multiple times to get off the bike, to put his hands behind his back,” the chief said. “All the things we’re supposed to do, and he failed to comply with everything.”
VanWhy pushed the motorcycle to the ground and grabbed Kirkwood as he attempted to escape again.
According to the criminal complaint, Kirkwood punched VanWhy repeatedly in the face, pushed the officer down a hillside and slammed him to the ground.
Fabec said state police and officers from Manor and Vandergrift responded, and Kirkwood was eventually taken into custody uninjured. VanWhy was transported to ACMH Hospital and treated for injuries to his ribs and hands.
Fabec said VanWhy was reevaluated on Tuesday and placed on medical leave. He is expected to be off work for at least a week.
Online court documents indicate Kirkwood remains in prison and is unable to post $50,000 bail.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15 before District Judge James Andring.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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