A Harrisburg man is facing an escape charge after fleeing police Saturday evening on Sixth and Forrest Street. A Police SUV and another car collided at the intersection, crushing an innocent neighbor.
The crash has caused potentially thousands of dollars of damage to area businesses.
Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson says a pursuit with police officer Dan Peiper allegedly took place. Authorities are investigating why Peiper and his K-9, Thor, chased Christopher Slaughter in his car. The police SUV then collided with the car, and flipped onto neighbor, Salina Martin, who was outside.
Neighbor Koscina Lowe owns a beauty shop next door. She says, “”When I pulled up she was sweeping at first, I went upstairs to watch TV, then I heard boom, they said she was sitting on the edge of her home…but I heard her she was trapped underneath the car, screaming.”
Lowe questions why she believes police were driving 70 mph in a 25 mph zone. Mayor Thompson says city police are put in danger every day to protect you.
She says, “They get up every morning with a sense of reason to protect and serve and that’s what our officers do.”
Lowe says, “It’s just a serious tragedy because she didn’t bother anybody.”
Authorities say Slaughter is charged with escape and he remains in Dauphin County Prison.
Thor, the K-9, has been treated and released from Rossmoyne Animal Hospital.