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Western PA Police Officer Killed in Car Chase

A Shenango Township police officer has been killed when a car being chased by state police crashed into the township officer's cruiser, killing him and seriously injuring another officer who was driving.

State police released the name of officer William J. "Jerry" McCarthy IV as the victim.

McCarthy and his partner, Officer Michael Lynch, responded while state police were chasing 25-year-old Kylee Barletto, who was reportedly driving erratically and was known to have a suspended license. Court records show Lynch had cited her for driving with a suspended license on April 12.

State police say the township officers were in New Castle when Barletto's car smashed into the cruiser about 10 p.m. Thursday.

McCarthy died on the way to the hospital. Lynch and Barletto were still being treated for their injuries Friday.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.