Police: Heavily-armed man killed self after car chase through Butler County

A police chase came to a violent end along Route 8 in Butler County.

Officers say the suspect crossed two lanes of traffic, just to ram a police cruiser, before taking his own life.

Police believe he was under the influence and just had a fight with his girlfriend.

Officers say he had an assault rifle, a handgun, body armor and rounds of ammunition on him.

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“It's dangerous out there,” said Chief Randy Ruediger of Middlesex Township Police. He talked only to Channel 11 about the scary encounter two of his officers had early Tuesday with a heavily armed man.

“Our line of work is dangerous. It's getting worse out there,” Ruediger said.

Police showed Channel 11 pictures of the guns, body armor and ammunition belt they say the suspect was wearing.

State police told Channel 11 the driver of the truck, Zachary Carr, was speeding when he crossed through two counties along Route 8.

That’s when a Middlesex Township officer tried to pull him over. Police say he didn't stop. Detectives say when he saw another officer along the road outside his cruiser, the suspect veered to hit him.

“Our officer had to jump up on the hood of the car not to get hit,” Ruediger said. “He [Carr] did it on purpose.”

Police don't know why Carr was heavily armed. They say before they could arrest him, he pulled a gun and killed himself.

“Our officers are lucky,” Ruediger said. “It's very scary because we don't know what his intent was.”

Officers also don't know if he was trying to commit suicide by cop and are interviewing family members to figure it out.

Cox Media Group