POLICE RADIO CALLS: Manhunt of Chester County murder suspect ends

Thursday, September 20, 2018
Dramatic police radio calls in Pa. manhunt
Dramatic police radio calls in Pa. manhunt. Jeannette Reyes reports during Action News Mornings on September 20, 2018.

WEST BRADFORD TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Police scanner audio obtained by Action News gives a glimpse into the chaotic chase and frantic moments just before a murder suspect was found dead in Chester County early Thursday morning.

Chester County murder suspect is dead, D.A. says. Katherine Scott reports during Action News Mornings on September 20, 2018.

"The subject is running from his vehicle," the scanner audio says.

Around 1 a.m., hours after authorities say Bruce Rogal murdered his parents, he led police on a chase in a 2002 silver Honda Odyssey.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan says Rogal returned to the very street where he earlier shot at his ex-wife, crashing the van into a home.

The audio continues, "The vehicle has crashed. I'm trying to get a location. He crashed."

A helicopter hovered overhead and officers on the ground closed in on the 59-year-old who was sitting in the van.

Pennsylvania State Police confirmed troopers fired at the suspect, but it is not clear he fired at them.

Pennsylvania State Police press conference on Chester County manhunt on September 20, 2018.

The radio call, however, does say there was an exchange of gunfire between police and the suspect.

The radio call says, "They exchanged gunfire. They say he's armed with a rifle. There are helicopters above saying that the doors are still closed on the vehicle."

Seconds later, officers got a closer look inside the vehicle.

"We have a visual. He's slumped over in the driver's seat toward the passenger's seat," the audio says.

Chopper 6 over the scene of a police search for gunman who fired inside of a West Chester retirement community, September 19, 2018

The chaos abruptly ended. Rogal was pronounced dead.

The radio call says, "The victim is now deceased at this time."

Additional information is expected to be released by officials later today.

Chester County murder suspect dead. Katherine Scott reports during Action News Mornings on September 20, 2018.
DA: Police searching for man who killed parents at Chester County retirement community, shot at ex-wife as reported by Dann Cuellar during Action News at11 on September 19, 2018.

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