Madison man sentenced to jail for drunken police chase that damaged cruiser

A Madison man pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges in connection to a high-speed police chase.

Police said Brian Allen Smith, 48, appeared suspicious when he was spotted Jan. 12 in Sewickley sitting in a black Honda, which he drove away after refusing to speak with a state state trooper who approached his car. Prosecutors said Smith fled at speeds that exceeded 70 mph and led police for nearly 10 miles, rammed one cruiser that was in pursuit and finally came to a stop after driving over spikes placed on Route 136.

According to court records, Smith got out of his car holding an open vodka bottle and asked to be shot by troopers.

In court Tuesday, Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of drunken driving and charges of reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, fleeing from police and resisting arrest. Prosecutors dropped one felony count of aggravated assault.

“I want to be a productive member of society. This is the first time I’ve been in this position,” Smith said.

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Feliciani sentenced Smith to serve nine months to five years in jail and ordered him to pay a $1,500 fine. Smith was given credit for the five months he has spent in three different in-patient drug and alcohol treatment programs since his arrest.

Prosecutors said they need additional time to document any restitution that Smith may owe, including about $1,000 in damage to a police car caused during the chase.

Feliciani ordered Smith report to the county jail on Oct. 28 to begin serving his sentence.