09-04-2025
Man identified in deadly stolen cruiser chase
(WKBN) — A man who law enforcement officials say stole a police cruiser and crashed it on the turnpike has been identified.
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The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed one of their police cruisers was stolen last Friday evening on the turnpike.
According to a release, at about 5:30 p.m., the OSHP Hiram Post was dispatched to a single-vehicle rollover crash near the Pennsylvania state line. Witnesses said the man walked away from the crash.
When a state trooper approached the man walking along the shoulder, he immediately physically assaulted the trooper. The trooper then deployed a stun gun, but the assault continued.
The man then stole an OSHP Dodge Charger and fled east onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Troopers with Pennsylvania State Police chased the suspect, then intervened to stop the chase, according to the release. The stolen cruiser crashed near mile marker 15 in North Sewickley Township in Beaver County.
According to a news release from Pennsylvania State Police, an altercation ensued when troopers approached the vehicle, causing them to use deadly force.
PSP identified the suspect as 30-year-old Deshawn Dante Leete of Michigan.
The Pennsylvania troopers who were involved have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation by the Beaver County District Attorney.
Madison Meeker and Sarah DeLisio contributed to this report.
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