Injured Police Commander Undergoes Surgery After Route 60 Crash

A Pittsburgh Police commander who was in a two-vehicle crash on Steubenville Pike is in improving condition, said a Pittsburgh Police spokeswoman. 

Police spokeswoman Diane Richards said Cmdr. Linda Rosato Barone, 54, who suffered a fractured pelvis and femur in the , underwent surgery for her injuries and is now alert. 

Barone was taken to Allegheny General Hospital Friday afternoon after her Chevrolet Impala, which was issued by the Pittsburgh Police department, rolled over a hillside off Steubenville Pike near Napa Auto Parts. 

Police said a minivan traveling westbound on the roadway crossed the center line to strike Barone's vehicle head-on. Barone was traveling eastbound. 

Information on the driver of the minivan and investigation into the crash was not immediately available. Robinson Police Chief Dale Vietmeier could not be reached for comment on Monday.

The motorist was taken to a nearby hospital following the crash for a head injury and difficulty breathing. It is unclear if a medical condition played a role in the crash. continue to investigate. 

Richards said Barone's condition has steadily improved since the crash and she remains hospitalized following  surgery on Friday. 

"She's doing better," Richards said. "She's alert, she's eating—she's being fed liquids. She's talking, so she is improving." 

Richards said Barone's teenage daughter was traveling with her in the car and suffered a hand injury. She was treated and released from Allegheny General, Richards said. 

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