HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va. --
A man who accused of leading police on a high-speed chase over the weekend remains in a Pittsburgh hospital after losing his leg in a subsequent crash.
Hancock County Sheriff Mike White said the suspect, 47-year-old Richard L. Colburn Jr., was attempting to steal motorcycles from the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort parking lot Saturday evening.
White said security guards notified police that a man matching Colburn's description was rummaging through saddle bags of parked motorcycles. When confronted, Colburn reportedly fled but was later spotted by a deputy.
Colburn, who was on a stolen motorcycle, is seen on a dash cam video weaving through traffic, ignoring roadblocks and driving in the wrong lane. He ultimately crashed the bike on Main Street in downtown Weirton.
"He was adamant about escaping, getting away. We feel he was probably heading back to Ohio," White said.
Colburn has a long criminal history and was driving with a suspended license, investigators said. According to the motorcycle's registration, it was stolen from Canton, Ohio, on Friday.
"(Colburn) has a lengthy history of thefts," White said.
The sheriff said Colburn is expected to be hospitalized for at least a month recovering from his injuries and the loss of his leg. White said exact charges against Colburn are pending.
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