Fleeing West Whiteland man crashes into patrol car, injures officer

By Michael N. Price

Kevin Heron, a 56-year-old Newtown Square resident, allegedly attempted to escape police in his vehicle after a patrol officer allegedly observed him drive away from district court on a suspended license, according to the West Whiteland Police Department. Police said he was leaving the district court after appearing for a hearing on two prior offenses that involved driving on a DUI-related suspended drivers license.

Knowing that Heron did not have a license, the patrol officer followed Heron and attempted to conduct a traffic stop after he left the court, but he allegedly refused to stop and instead sped away from the officer and into the Whiteland Business Park. During the escape attempt Heron allegedly drove over the lawn of a business and damaged one of the tires on his vehicle after driving over a curb, police said.

After the tire was damaged Heron was allegedly attempting to turn his vehicle and head in the opposite direction when he lost control and collided with a stationary police vehicle head on. After the collision other officers who had joined the pursuit were able to subdue Heron, police said.

The police officer who was involved in the collision was transported to Paoli Hospital by ambulance and later released after receiving treatment for a head injury. Police officials said the officer, who was not identified, will remain out of work until a specialist clears him to return for duty.

Police said the collision caused more than $6,000 in damage to the patrol car, a 2012 Dodge Charger.

Heron was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, driving under the influence and related charges and was taken to Chester County Prison after failing to post $300,000 cash bail.

Follow Daily Local News staff writer Michael N. Price on Twitter @MikePriceWrites and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/michaelnprice.

Kevin Heron, a 56-year-old Newtown Square resident, allegedly attempted to escape police in his vehicle after a patrol officer allegedly observed him drive away from district court on a suspended license, according to the West Whiteland Police Department. Police said he was leaving the district court after appearing for a hearing on two prior offenses that involved driving on a DUI-related suspended drivers license.

Knowing that Heron did not have a license, the patrol officer followed Heron and attempted to conduct a traffic stop after he left the court, but he allegedly refused to stop and instead sped away from the officer and into the Whiteland Business Park. During the escape attempt Heron allegedly drove over the lawn of a business and damaged one of the tires on his vehicle after driving over a curb, police said.

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Fleeing West Whiteland man crashes into patrol car, injures officer