A 44-year-old man from Virginia faces a charge of felony “risking catastrophe” after police say he was driving under the influence in a tailgate lot near Penn State’s Beaver Stadium on September 19 and nearly struck several pedestrians, including children.
Penn State University police Sgt. Brian Bittner says it’s not a common charge, but given the condition of the driver, Jeffery M. Chesko, and the conditions around the incident, police decided to charge him with more than just a DUI.
According to police, the incident took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. Police spotted Chesko heading west before turning onto a sidewalk and approaching a grass tailgating area at an approximate speed of 15 mph.
Police say the Chesko’s vehicle didn’t slow down or yield to multiple pedestrians, who had to quickly take evasive action to avoid being hit. They say two young children were pulled out of the vehicles path and the vehicle struck two lawn chairs and ran over a child’s ball.
Upon Chesko’s arrest, police say his speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot. He refused field tests or blood tests at the hospital.
Chesko is also facing a charge of misdemeanor reckless endangerment.
