Police charge South Park man accused of crashing car into day care center playground
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A South Park man was arrested Monday after police say he led them on a chase that ended when he crashed through a fence surrounding a day care center playground.
Jacob Balcer, 22, was charged with a felony count of fleeing from police and other charges including reckless driving, reckless endangerment, driving under the influence and criminal mischief, according to court records.
He also faces multiple traffic violations that include driving with a suspended license.
Balcer is accused of crashing his car through the fence at the South Park KinderCare along Ridge Road in South Park.
Township police said the wreck happened after Balcer was involved in a dispute with his girlfriend at around 1:30 p.m. and fled when she called 911, according to Tribune-Review news partners WPXI-TV.
Police started chasing Balcer’s vehicle but ended the pursuit after his speed increased to more than 90 mph, according to radio transmissions between officers involved in the pursuit and Allegheny County 911.
Authorities said Balcer was driving while high on the prescription drug Xanax, which is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Before wrecking into the fence at the day care center Balcer drove through several yards, police said.
After coming to a stop near the play equipment, Balcer tried to flee again by backing out of the playground, according to video of the incident posted on social media.
The video shows police blocking Balcer’s vehicle to prevent him from escaping.
No injuries were reported.
A parent said children were in the playground about 5 minutes before the crash, according to WPXI.
Balcer is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on the charges before before District Judge Michael Thatcher on Oct. 6.
Court records show that Balcer was ordered to stand trial on charges of driving under the influence, disorderly conduct and reckless driving filed by Penn Hills police on Jan. 8.
The trial is set for Oct. 22 in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court.
Balcer did not yet have an attorney listed in court record for the most recent charge.
Attorney Lee Rothman, who is representing Balcer at his upcoming DUI trial, could not be reached for comment this morning.