A Slippery Rock man is in prison after leading police on a chase late last week.
Around 10:30 Friday night, a state trooper saw 61-year-old Eric Stettmier of Slippery Rock cross the center line while turning onto Centerville Pike from Route 8 North.
According to state police, the officer began following the car as it passed another vehicle in a no-passing zone. The trooper attempted to initiate a stop, but Stettmier allegedly continued to drive erratically. The pursuit lasted over a mile until the vehicle came to a stop near Slippery Rock at the intersection with Watson Glen.
After being taken into custody, Stettmier allegedly told the officer that he had a firearm in the car, later found to be a loaded Smith and Wesson .44 magnum revolver.
Stettmier will face numerous charges including fleeing and attempting to elude an officer, DUI, concealed carry without a permit, and driving with a suspended license from a previous DUI.
Stettmier is currently being held in the Butler County Prison awaiting a preliminary hearing.
