Off-Duty Trooper Allegedly Had 4 Beers Before Crash

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A Pennsylvania state trooper who is charged in a fatal DUI crash says he had four beers before the accident, according to court papers.

Trooper Jeffrey Dalessandro works out of the barracks in Moon Township, but police say he was off-duty last night when he crashed his pick-up truck in Erie County.

Police say his truck crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into an SUV driven by 21-year-old Daryl Nunemaker.

According to court papers, Trooper Dalessandro had a blood alcohol content of .147 percent. The legal limit is. 08.

Dalessandro was arraigned on charges of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence as well as involuntary manslaughter, among other charges.

He was released after posting 10 percent of a $25,000 bond. He is a nine year veteran with state police and has been suspended without pay.

Nunemaker was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. He had just gotten married this past summer. He lived in Edinboro, and went by, "D.J."
His widow, Alicia, posted on her Facebook page hours after his death: "Words cannot describe how I feel right now. I love you so much DJ. Please guide me in everything I do. This is so hard, I love you with all of my heart and soul."

RELATED LINKS
More Local News
More Reports By David Highfield