Details Released On High-Speed Pursuit Of Chesco Murder Suspect

WEST CHESTER, PA — In the hours after Bruce Rogal fired shots at his wife and then killed his parents at a Chester County retirement home, the work of law enforcement had just begun.

The most recent information from the District Attorney's Office describes a lengthy high speed chase with an exchange of gunfire with police. The entire affair ultimately ended where it had begun: at Rogal's ex-wife's home, in West Bradford Township, the same home which he had lost in a divorce that was finalized that day.

After driving by that home at around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rogal proceeded to the Bellingham retirement community in East Goshen, where he killed his parents, police said.

The 59-year-old Glenmoore resident then fled the scene, sparking a massive law enforcement response to track him down. At a press conference late Wednesday night, Hogan said that the manhunt extended into both surrounding counties and surrounding states.

But it appears that Rogal never really went that far at all.

Multiple law enforcement agencies scoured the area for Rogal's silver 2002 Honda Odyssey. Pennsylvania State Police, Chester County Regional Emergency Response team, local police departments, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco were all on the case.

>>Suspect In Chester Co. Retirement Home Shooting Dead: DA

In the early morning hours Thursday, Rogal was eventually spotted driving in the same area, the DA said. He was on Strasburg Road, which runs from downtown West Chester, out past Stroud Preserve, into points farther west in the county.

Rogal fled from police at a high rate of speed, Hogan said. During the pursuit, he fired at police, who returned fire.

The chase proceeded into West Bradford Township, where Rogal crashed his Odyssey into his ex-wife's residence, police said.

Members of the Chester County Emergency Response Team were the first to the scene, the DA's Office said. When they approached his vehicle, they found that Rogal was already dead. Beside him were multiple firearms, police said.

"The citizens of Chester County can take comfort in knowing that when dangerous situations like this take place, their police and first responders are prepared," Hogan said.

The investigation into the entire situation is ongoing. Police said they are speaking with family members to get more background into the circumstances which may have led to the incident. The DA's presumption is that it was all sparked by the finalization of his divorce.

If you have any information, contact Chester County Detective John O'Donnell at 61034406866.

Image via Chester County District Attorney's Office