Tractor-trailer chase ends with police gunfire in Norristown

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- A 46-year-old tractor-trailer driver is hospitalized, shot by an officer after police say he led them on a wild chase through the streets of Norristown.

Norristown Police say it began at 11:10 p.m. Thursday when they received a call saying several vehicles were struck by a tractor trailer near the 1100 block of Swede Street.

Neighbor Thomas Engro one of several who talked to the driver.

"He told the guy, 'I'll give you my insurance, just let me get around to stop blocking traffic,'" said Thomas Engro.

However witnesses say the truck driver struck a second car - a black sedan.

Sandra Atwell says the sedan belongs to her son's girlfriend. Atwell says that's the third car, belonging to family and friends, that was hit at the corner in just 11 months.

"That same car, then my daughter's car was hit, then Katie's car. I'm ready to move from here and that's the truth," she said.

"We told him to stop again and he just floored it, popped the car in the air and busted out the back window. He took off - no stop sign, no red lights - he just kept going," said Engro.

A short time later a police officer saw a big rig speeding along the 600 block of Swede Street.

The officer gave chase, traveling south on Swede Street, but the truck did not stop.

Police say the driver barreled through a red light on Main Street, turned west on Lafayette Street, crashed through a guard rail and onto the Dannehower Bridge, then stopped near the intersection at Main Street.

Two officers approached the cab and ordered the driver out.

"The operator initially raises his hand as if he's going to surrender, then puts his hands back on the steering wheel, then drives the vehicle forward and at that point the officer fired three shots," said Chief Mark Talbot, Norristown Police.

The shots struck the windshield and one hit the driver in the arm.

The suspect, a 46-year-old man from Paterson, New Jersey, was arrested and taken to an area hospital.

Police say his wound is not believed to be life-threatening.

The police officers were not hurt.

The incident remains under investigation.