HERMITAGE, Pa. (WKRC) – An officer allegedly injured multiple people after he performed a PIT maneuver on an SUV following an interaction involving his child at a Walmart location.
According to WFMJ, 38-year-old Derek Jeziorkowski, an officer with the Hermitage Police Department, was accused of chasing down a vehicle and causing a crash around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26.
A complaint reviewed by the outlet reportedly states that Jeziorkowski was chasing the vehicle following an incident involving his son at a Walmart in Greenville, Pennsylvania. The victims reportedly turned around in an attempt to escape the suspect, who allegedly turned in a “reckless manner” and continued to pursue them, per the outlet.
At some point during the pursuit, Jeziorkowski reportedly performed a “PIT maneuver,” when the officer allegedly pulled in front of the other vehicle, then rammed into the SUV as it tried to go around him. The maneuver caused the SUV to go off the roadway, strike an anchor wire of a utility pole and a tree, before flipping over.
Witnesses reportedly told police at the scene that Jeziorkowski went up to the SUV and yelled, “This is what happens when you (expletive) around with my kid,” then, “You would do the same thing if it was your kid.”
The Pennsylvania State Police reportedly confirmed to WFMJ that four victims were inside the SUV at the time, including three 18-year-olds and one 33-year-old, with two of those individuals being taken to the hospital for “suspected serious bodily injuries.”
According to WFMJ, Jeziorkowski was not on duty at the time of the incident.
Jeziorkowski has been charged with the following, per the report:
- Aggravated assault (four counts)
- Simple assault (four counts)
- Recklessly endangering another person (four counts)
- Unspecified traffic violations
The suspect was arraigned on Saturday, June 27 and is expected to appear in court gain on July 7. Chief Adam Piccirillo with the Hermitage Police Department reportedly confirmed to WFMJ that Jeziorkowski was placed on leave until further notice.
No details in regard to the incident at Walmart were made available.
