High-speed police chase ends in Ligonier Township when suspect crashes

A high-speed police chase spanning two counties ended Tuesday when a stolen vehicle the suspect was driving slammed into cars parked at a Ligonier Township restaurant, according to authorities.

Gary Austin Blough, 18, of Johnstown nearly hit two vehicles head-on during the westbound pursuit on Route 30, according to court papers. He is facing numerous charges including drug possession, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment and driving under the influence.

State police were notified at 12:30 p.m. that a vehicle that had been stolen this week was reported to be on Route 30 in Jenner Township, Somerset County, according to court papers. Trooper Steve Limani said a friend of the vehicle’s owner spotted it.

Troopers stopped the Ford Escape, but police said Blough took off. The chase moved into Westmoreland County over the next six minutes as Blough allegedly reached speeds of up to 120 mph while driving down Laurel Mountain. Police reported he passed 17 other vehicles in close proximity in Ligonier Township and Laughlintown.

Surveillance video shows the SUV slam into a guide rail and a couple of cars parked in the lot of Hansley’s Pub & Grille, just east of Ligonier Borough.

“The pursuit goes for about 10 to 12 miles until, ultimately, Mr. Blough drives the vehicle off the edge of the road into the bar/restaurant parking lot, striking several vehicles,” Limani said. “Somehow he’s able to jump out of the vehicle, take off on foot and he heads into a wooded area, where subsequently he was taken into custody.”

Police said they found Blough in the woods about 10 feet from a bag of marijuana and holding a red ski mask. He told troopers he had smoked marijuana before the crash. Police seized $2,300, counterfeit money, a digital scale and more marijuana from the SUV, according to court papers.

Two people, including one juvenile, were in the SUV with Blough. Limani said the passengers asked Blough to stop during the chase. It was unclear if either was being charged. No one was hurt.

“There’s a significant impact at the end of this crash that really was very fortunate that no innocent bystanders were hurt,” Limani said.

Blough is free on $10,000 unsecured bond. He could not be reached for comment Wednesday. A preliminary hearing is set for July 29.