By Michael Cope
Tribune-Review (Greensburg, PA)
Copyright 2007 Tribune Review Publishing Company
All Rights Reserved
A Connellsville man has been charged with reckless driving for slamming his sport-utility vehicle through the front entrance of the Fayette EMS headquarters in the city.
The accident happened at 12:15 a.m. Sunday and caused $15,000 to $20,000 worth of damage to the South Arch Street facility.
Police identified the driver as Donald B. Kooser Jr., 32, of 1203 Sycamore St.
Rick Adobato, director of operations at Fayette EMS, said a five-member ambulance crew was working at the rear of the building at the time of the crash. No one was injured.
“He came right through the front door and into my office,” Adobato said. “It shook the whole building.”
Last week, a motorist slid on ice and pushed a Dumpster into the Fayette EMS building. Only the container was damaged.
“This building’s been here a long time and was never hit,” Adobato said. “Now we get two in two weeks.”
Officer Michael Long alleged Kooser was driving north on Arch Street at 40 mph in a 2002 Chevrolet Trail Blazer when he lost control of the vehicle, causing him to skid into the building.
Damage was limited to the administrative offices and will not disrupt ambulance service, Adobato said.
The office staff might relocate while contractors repair the doors, windows and walls.
“It’ll be hard for them to work among the dust and dirt once construction starts,” Adobato said.
On Monday, workers were shielded from below-zero temperatures by a few sheets of plywood.
“We have some extra heaters running,” Adobato said. “It’s bearable.”