PAIR ACCUSED OF TRYING TO RUN DOWN PENNSYLVANIA TROOPER DURING CHASE

Two suspected drug-runners are charged with trying to kill a Somerset state trooper during a 36-mile high-speed chase early Friday. Joshua M. Foriska, 24, of Pittsburgh and Gino Michael Riccelli, 24, of suburban Pittsburgh are in the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bond each. They were arraigned by District Judge Art Cook of Somerset.

Although state police from the Somerset turnpike barracks have made dozens of high-profile drug arrests during the past four years, “This is the first time we’ve had a chase,” Sgt. Anthony DeLuca said. Foriska is charged with attempted homicide for allegedly trying to run over Trooper Michael Volk as Volk was deploying “stop sticks” across the pike to puncture the SUV’s tires. Riccelli is accused of conspiracy to commit attempted homicide.

“It doesn’t get much more serious than this,” Cook said during the arraignment. “You are both in a lot of trouble.”