Suspect fleeing traffic stop crashes into Ambridge police cruiser

A police cruiser was struck in an attempted traffic stop in a high drug-trafficking area Friday morning. Ambridge police said officers were patrolling the area of 11th Street and Spruce Street in Ambridge around 2 a.m. when they smelled burnt marijuana coming from a black Chrysler 300, which failed to yield. Lt. John Chickos said the vehicle sped off and intentionally crashed into the front end of an unmarked Ambridge police cruiser near 11th Street and Duss Street. Chickos emphasized that the officer did not engage in a police chase with the suspect vehicle. They instead followed behind from a safe distance.Dispatchers said the vehicle took off and went South down Route 65 after a woman bailed out of the passenger seat of the vehicle. Officers later learned the vehicle was a rental car in the woman's name, who police arrested a short time after she took off on foot.The vehicle was later found abandoned and crashed in the Quaker Village Shopping Center in Leetsdale. Police said there were 9.4 ounces of powdered cocaine found inside the car. The driver, who is believed to be from Pittsburgh, is still on the run. The woman involved had 90 synthetic pills, a digital scale, a sum of cash and a firearm. She is now facing a list of charges, including resisting arrest, aggravated assault, concealing a firearm without a license and possession with intent to deliver. The passenger who was apprehended was evaluated for a leg injury, but no other injuries were reported.