Lawrence County homicide suspect arrested after Route 28 police chase

State police arrested a New Castle man they say was wanted in connection with a homicide after an early-morning chase along Route 28 in Frazer, officials said.

Shane McDevitt, 36, was taken into custody Wednesday after the high-speed police pursuit on Route 28 that ended when the Nissan Sentra he was driving crashed into a utility pole near the Pittsburgh Mills Mall in Frazer, according to court papers.

After being taken to a state police station, troopers said the driver admitted to beating his mother to death with a piece of glass and hammer. McDevitt told authorities that the attack stemmed from an argument about his substance abuse problem, according to court papers.

Video courtesy of Neil Klinger of Kittanning

Police have been investigating the death of Cecelia J. Liposky, 65, after her body was found Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. at 2804 Mercer Road in Neshannock Township, just outside of New Castle, state police said. Her death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head, according to court papers.

Troopers said their investigation showed that McDevitt had been staying with Liposky since Sunday. They were unsuccessful in contacting him. On Tuesday, officers were searching for her gray 2014 Nissan Sentra which was missing from the home.

Police in Allegheny County spotted the car around 2 a.m. Wednesday and tried to conduct a traffic stop but the driver fled, according to court papers.

McDevitt was arraigned Wednesday afternoon. He is charged with homicide and was denied bail. He was being held at the Lawrence County Prison. An attorney was not listed for him in online court records. A preliminary hearing is set for May 18.