Somerset state trooper, suspect injured in fall during chase

A state trooper and the suspect he was chasing were injured Saturday after falling into a 75-foot ravine in Somerset County.

Trooper Justin Dorazio was injured during the foot pursuit with Christopher Eric Fisher, 45, of Rockwood, who was accused of assaulting and threatening another man with a handgun.

Dorazio confiscated a Smith and Wesson .357 handgun from Fisher and attempted to arrest him after arriving at a home in rural Upper Turkeyfoot Township about 1 p.m. Fisher fled into the woods, according to the criminal complaint.

During the chase, Dorazio “attempted to protect Fisher” from falling into the ravine, but due to inclement weather conditions, both men fell.

Troopers Matt Jones provided first aid to Dorazio and Fisher until emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene.

Both were taken to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown for treatment. State police reported Dorazio suffered facial fractures and severe lacerations, but was released from the hospital late Saturday.

Fisher’s condition was unavailable, but he was released from the hospital on Sunday. He was charged with aggravated assault, illegally possessing a firearm, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest. Bond was set $100,000 pending a preliminary hearing May 7 before Confluence District Judge Sandra Stevanus.