'Armed And Dangerous' Detroit Man At Large After Escaping Police In Pennsylvania

NEW CASTLE, Pa. (WWJ/AP) - Western Pennsylvania police say they're looking for an armed and dangerous suspect from Detroit who escaped when they tried to arrest him.

New Castle police Chief Robert Salem says his officers tried to arrest 33-year-old Ernest Chapman Thursday on drug and parole violation charges stemming from a recent police chase.

Instead, Salem says Chapman put a gun to a friend's head and made him drive away. After the car crashed into a tree, Chapman ran into some woods.

Police put a nearby school on lockdown as they searched for the Chapman, but he wasn't found. Police believe he was later picked up by someone in silver sedan.

WTAE-TV reports that, following Chapman's escape, investigating officers found  found $10,000 in heroin, cash and cellular phones inside Chapman's home.

New Castle is about 45 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Because it's near Interstate 80, it's not uncommon for people from the Detroit area to be involved in drug trafficking in the city, Salem said.

The Tribune-Review reports Chapman was charged with homicide and conspiracy in 2007, according to cours records — although the outcome of that case is unclear.

Michigan Department of Corrections records list Chapman as having absconded from parole in Detroit as of May of this year. Previous convictions in Wayne County include felony firearm and prisoner possessing contraband.

Chapman is to be considered "armed and dangerous," according to police.

Anyone who sees this wanted fugitive or knows of his whereabouts is urged not to try to apprehend him, but to call New Castle Police at 724-656-3570 or local police.

Those who feel they are in danger should dial 911.

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