Braddock Man Out On Bond Hits Police Officer With Car, Sheriff Says

BRADDOCK, PA — A Braddock man already accused of firing shots at cops earlier this year is facing more than a dozen new charges after authorities said he hit another police officer with a stolen car.

Mitchell Johnson, 20, who was arrested this past January for attempted homicide after firing shots at Homestead police officers, was jailed Wednesday on a host of new charges, including two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and resisting arrest, the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

According to authorities, the Munhall Police Department was searching for a reported stolen Chevrolet Malibu on Wednesday when Munhall Assistant Chief Jamie Caterino spotted the vehicle in Braddock while in an unmarked cruiser.

After requesting backup, authorities said Caterino attempted to stop the car at the intersection of Braddock Avenue and 13th Street. As Caterino approached the vehicle with his gun drawn, the car accelerated and struck Caterino, injuring his arm. The driver then fled the scene, authorities said.

Following a short pursuit that included a collision between the stolen vehicle and an Eastern Regional Police Department vehicle, the car stopped after striking a fence and two garages along Isabella Alley. Once stopped, authorities said the driver, whom police later identified as Johnson, fled on foot.

A juvenile passenger in the car also tried to flee but was quickly apprehended by Eastern Regional police, authorities said. Police also discovered the juvenile had a loaded 9mm magazine.

Authorities launched a search for Johnson and set up surveillance at his home on Packer Street. Around 5 p.m. Wednesday, authorities said Johnson showed up at the residence and was quickly taken into custody.

Caterino and an Eastern Regional officer received medical treatment at the scene for their injuries.