A police officer died after his cruiser slammed into a turning vehicle during a high-speed chase on a rural western Pennsylvania highway.
Police said part-time Perryopolis Officer Richard Champion hit shop owner Andy Bohatch's sport utility vehicle around 1:15 p.m. Sunday in Perryopolis despite swerving to avoid it.
Witnesses said the 35-year-old Champion appeared trapped as the cruiser burst into flames.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. He's survived by his wife and 16-month-old son.
Police said Bohatch was struck as he turned across Route 51's southbound lanes toward the parking lot of his Big Barn Country Store. He was listed in critical condition at UPMC Presbyterian.
Police said Champion, an Army Reservist, served on the Perryopolis force for eight months.
Perryopolis is about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh.
