'Suspicious' Vehicle Fled From Police At High Speeds Before Fatal Norristown Crash: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA — One person is dead after a vehicle fled from police at a high rate of speed and crashed into an off-duty sheriff's deputy's SUV in Norristown early Thursday, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office announced.

The incident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. near the intersection of Main Street and Hamilton Street, authorities said

Police were first called to investigate suspicious activity on Buttonwood Street, the DA's Office said.

When police arrived, five individuals in a white Hyundai sedan fled from the scene at high speeds, according to the DA's Office. Police said they did not immediately pursue the vehicle, but attempted to get a registration number.

Shortly thereafter, about a quarter mile away, the sedan crashed into a black SUV, which was being driven by an off-duty Montgomery County deputy sheriff, on Main and Hamilton streets. The deputy was on his way to work and was driving his personal vehicle, police said.

Authorities confirmed that one person was killed in the crash. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family. According to numerous reports from the scene from 6ABC and CBS, the victim is a 17-year-old male.

After the crash, witnesses reportedly saw crews taking a safe from inside the sedan. The group of five teens in the car had robbed a safe, according to those reports.

The four other occupants of the sedan were taken to Paoli Hospital for treatment. The deputy, who was the sole occupant of his vehicle, was treated for his injuries and released, the DA said.

Photos from the scene showed wreckage from both cars strewn on the side of the road.

Crews from the Norristown Fire Department and Plymouth Medic 308, among other local responders, were on the scene to rescue other victims from the crash.

Main Street remained closed for several hours after the incident.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Images via Norristown Fire Department