FRANKLIN TWP — A Butler Township police officer escaped injury but his unmarked car was totaled Sunday afternoon when he crashed during a high-speed chase with a motorcyclist, authorities said.

The chase began about 2:20 p.m. when Patrolman Paul Kuss tried to pull over the unknown suspect for traffic violations on Route 422 between Route 8 north and the Lyndora exit. The motorcycle driver would not stop.

The officer pursued the cycle on Route 422 west for about five miles into Franklin Township, where state police joined in. About that time, said Butler Township Police Chief John Hays, Kuss’ traffic car went off road while trying to avoid the trooper’s car.

Kuss’ car traveled off the north berm where it continued until hitting a pile of cut firewood said.

The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, apparently got away. Police noted that the suspect’s license plate was bent so Kuss was unable to get the plate number.

As for the township’s 2015 Ford police car, which had less than 40,000 miles on it, Hays said it’s beyond repair.