Hero Down: Washington County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Chad Beattie Suffers Fatal Heart Attack After Foot Chase

Washington, PA – Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Corporal Chad Beattie died in the line of duty on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack following a foot pursuit.

The incident occurred in the 300-block of Washington Road at approximately 1:48 p.m. on Aug. 10, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

The WCSO’s Fugitive Team, including the 45-year-old corporal, responded to the area to assist the South Strabane Township Police Department (SSTPD) with the apprehension of a suspect who had outstanding warrants in multiple counties, the WCSO said in a press release on Thursday.

Officers ended up in a “brief foot pursuit” with the suspect inside a Target store before apprehending him, according to the sheriff’s office.

After the suspect was arrested, Cpl. Beattie was heading back to his patrol vehicle when he suddenly collapsed, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

The WCSO said the corporal “suffered a sudden cardiac event” and was rushed to Washington Hospital by ambulance.

“Live saving measures were provided and ultimately failed,” the sheriff’s office said.

The WCSO announced Cpl. Beattie’s death “with heavy hearts” on Thursday.

Cpl. Beattie served the sheriff’s office for 20 years, much of which he spent as a member of the Fugitive Unit.

He was an “outstanding asset” to the department, the sheriff’s office said.

Cpl. Beattie leaves behind his son and his parents, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

“The entire Washington County Sheriff’s Office expresses its deepest sympathies to Cpl. Beattie’s family and friends on their loss and mourns the loss of a friend and colleague,” the WCSO said.

Always remember: Corporal Chad Beattie, Washington County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania https://t.co/NnaTJeSSrM pic.twitter.com/mjPrournzO

— Rob Festenstein (@robfestenstein) August 11, 2022

Washington County Deputy Sheriff, Dead Suddenly, at age 45…

"Sudden cardiac event"…

Deputy Chad Beattie of Claysville, experienced the cardiac event directly after assisting South Strabane police with a call…

– WPXI Pittsburgh

God bless.

— Dr. James E. Olsson (@DrJamesOlsson) August 11, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Washington County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Chad Beattie, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.