Cops: 10-mile car chase ends with crash in East Huntingdon

An Acme woman allegedly led a state trooper on a 10-mile car chase through Westmoreland County Wednesday night that ended when she crashed her car in East Huntingdon, according to state police.

Heather Marie Waddell is charged with aggravated assault, fleeing an officer, possession of a controlled substance and numerous related charges.

A state trooper saw a Chevrolet Blazer driven by Waddell on Route 819 near Route 119 in Mount Pleasant around 8 p.m. The trooper ran the vehicle’s information and learned that its owner, who is not Waddell, has a suspended license, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

The trooper pulled Waddell over on Route 119 northbound but, when he got out of his car to approach her, she drove off, the affidavit states.

The trooper followed as Waddell sped away, reaching speeds of 85 mph in a 55-mph zone, according to the affidavit.

Waddell allegedly exited at Westec Drive then ran a red light to turn onto Old State Route 119.

Jacob Tierney | Tribune-Review

After turning onto Tech Center Drive, she allegedly slammed her brakes twice, almost causing the trooper to crash into her. Both cars drove off the road, through a grassy area and onto Central Road.

At the intersection of Central Road and Route 31, Waddell put her SUV in reverse, hitting the front of the pursuing police car but not disabling the vehicle, according to police.

From Route 31 Waddell again drove off the road, through a home’s yard and onto New Stanton-Ruffs Dale Road, according to the affidavit.

Finally, after turning onto Brickyard Hill Road, Waddell lost control and crashed her car. She was not seriously injured, according to police.

Troopers found a syringe and 10 packets of the opioids Buprenorphine and Naloxone, the affidavit said.

Waddell was arraigned and sent to the Westmoreland County Prison on $50,000 cash bond.

A preliminary hearing before District Judge Charles Moore is scheduled for Oct. 7.