Leetsdale patrolman honored for apprehending fugitive

Leetsdale police Officer Shawn Schreckengost was recognized for his heroic efforts in apprehending a wanted fugitive.

The incident took place Jan. 9 when Schreckengost attempted to make a traffic stop and the fugitive took off.

He was able to make an arrest after the chase went through several neighborhoods.

State police reports identify the suspect as Michael Holiday Jr., 29, of Aliquippa, who was traveling in a silver Mazda at the time of his capture.

Court documents state Schreckengost observed the vehicle traveling on Beaver Street toward the Beaver County line.

He initiated a traffic stop for a suspected violation within the 300 block of Maplewood Avenue in Ambridge.

The driver, later identified as Holiday, told the officer his name was Austin Cooper, according to the criminal complaint.

Schreckengost had attempted to get Holiday out of the vehicle and went as far as to position himself in front of the car to hold him at bay.

Holiday then accelerated toward the officer and fled down Ohio River Boulevard and then wrecked along the main thoroughfare.

State police records state Schreckengost fired one round from his service weapon at the vehicle.

Holiday was apprehended a short time later after being picked up by his girlfriend.

State police charged Holiday with aggravated assault, simple assault, fleeing or attempting to elude police, flight to avoid apprehension, resisting arrest, recklessly endangering another person, providing false identification to law enforcement, obstructed windows, driving with a suspended license and careless driving.

Mayor Sandra Ford presented Schreckengost with a certificate of excellence at a council meeting on March 14.

“It was more than just him doing his job,” Ford said about the officer’s efforts. “He took a dangerous criminal off the streets. We are very fortunate as a borough to have him. We feel safer having him on the force.”

Schreckengost has been with the department since 2018.

The officer took photos with friends and family after receiving the certificate.

“It’s overwhelming,” Schreckengost said. “Definitely blessed to be here. It’s an honor to serve my residents with this department. Overall, it’s still a team effort in the end.”

In other business

Council approved advertising its knox box ordinance.

A knox box is a small, wall-mounted safe that holds building keys that fire departments could use to gain access so they wouldn’t have to make forced entry when responding to alarms or emergencies.

Boxes are currently in use at both industrial parks, the Giant Eagle Plaza and the senior high-rise in the borough.

Leetsdale officials want to codify the safety measure to require businesses and multi-family facilities to provide easy emergency access for firefighters to their facilities.

The ordinance is expected to be formally adopted in April.

Borough engineer Daniel Slagle announced he is working with the public works department to identify streets in need of repair for this year’s paving project. A list of streets may be available next month.

Last year’s paving project was awarded to Oakmont-based A. Folino Construction. That work took place June through August.

Council approved a $12,500 donation to the 4th of July Committee. The donation is expected to help cover the cost of fireworks for the holiday celebration.

The committee has planned multiple fundraisers to help offset related expenses.

More information about borough and committee events is available at leetsdaleboro.net.