On August 4, 2025, the incident began when officers received information regarding a felony vehicle wanted in connection with an armed carjacking of two Robert Morris University students in Stowe Township. Sgt. Lucas encountered the suspects and the stolen vehicle in the Bellevue McDonald's lot and attempted to block their vehicle when the driver rammed Sgt. Luca’s patrol car then fled on Ohio River Blvd into the city.

After a lengthy pursuit followed by an extensive manhunt on Herrs Island, the driver was taken into custody and is facing multiple felony charges.  Multiple firearms were recovered along with other evidence from the vehicle and the scene.

The passenger, who was also detained, is considered a possible suspect in the same carjacking and was already wanted by Pittsburgh Police as an alleged suspect in an attempted murder case.

During the incident, Bellevue Police Sergeant Matthew Lucas demonstrated exceptional leadership and courage under extreme conditions. In recognition of his heroic actions, Mayor Val Pennington presented Sgt. Lucas with an official Proclamation of Commendation on August 26, 2025.

This incident highlights the remarkable dedication and professionalism of our officers, as well as the importance of strong partnerships with neighboring agencies. Sgt. Lucas’s bravery and quick thinking played a crucial role in safely resolving a potentially hazardous situation.