Fleeing suspect injures officer

LOWER POTTSGROVE >> A police officer was injured Tuesday after a suspect fled from police and escaped in a stolen car.

At approximately 11 p.m. on April 16, officers responded to Hilltop Estates, previously Shaner’s Trailer Park, for a suspicious male inside a blue Nissan Altima, Lower Pottsgrove Police said in an online post.

As officers investigated, they encountered the suspect inside the car and he appeared to be under the influence, police said.

Upon further investigation, police say they found the suspect to be in possession of a stolen firearm. As officers were taking the suspect into custody, a struggle ensued and the suspect fled in the car, injuring an officer and striking parked cars before abandoning the car and fleeing on foot, police said.

The injured officer sustained minor injuries and was seen at the Pottstown Hospital and released back to duty, according to the police department.

Officers established a perimeter and began a search on foot with K-9 officers.

Police say the suspect broke into a nearby residence and stole the keys to a white 2011 Dodge Avenger, registration DTP 0883, owned by the resident. The suspect then fled the area in the stolen vehicle.

Police described the suspect as a 5-foot, 9-inch tall black male with short black curly hair and facial hair. He was last seen wearing blue jean pants and a long-sleeve green shirt with colored lettering.

Police are warning residents that the suspect may be dangerous and are asking that you do not approach him. Anyone with information should immediately contact the Lower Pottsgrove Police Department or dial 911.