Pittsburgh Police officers from Zone 5 were driving on Columbo Street and N. Negley Avenue at about 6:15 p.m. when they were struck broadside by a Dodge Durango.

There were three officers in the police vehicle. None of them was injured. Two of the officers exited the vehicle and gave the driver verbal commands to stay parked and stay in the vehicle, but the driver ignored them and drove off, nearly striking the officers. 

The officers followed the suspect vehicle into Morningside where it eventually came to a stop on King Avenue. The driver was placed in custody. He admitted to officers he was driving under the influence and was transported to be breathalyzer-tested. 

During a search of the suspect's vehicle officers discovered there was a female toddler in the backseat who was not properly secured. The child was unhurt, but was taken to Children's Hospital for evaluation before being released to the custody of her mother.

The suspect's vehicle also struck two other vehicles at Stanton and Negley as he was fleeing police. The drivers of those vehicles were unhurt and were not transported to the hospital. 

The investigation continues. Charges are pending. 

UPDATE: Mario Plowden, 43, of PIttsburgh has been charged with multiple offenses in connection with this incident, including: endangering the welfare of children, driving under the influence, fleeing or attempting to allude an officer, recklessly endangering another person, driving while operating privilege is suspended, aggravated assault, and several traffic infractions.