Coraopolis Police Chief To Face Charges In August Crash

CORAOPOLIS (KDKA) -- The Coraopolis police chief has been placed on administrative leave after it was announced he would face charges stemming from an August car accident.

Alan DeRusso is facing several charges in the incident, including aggravated assault by vehicle, recklessly endangering another person, reckless driving and careless driving.

The crash happened on the morning of Aug. 7 at the intersection of Route 51 and Thorn Run Road.

Moon Township Police said DeRusso was driving an unmarked Coraopolis Police car when he was involved in the crash.

Investigators say the chief was driving south on Route 51 toward Coraopolis. The woman was driving on Thorn Run Road.

According to Moon Police, witnesses said the unmarked police car went through a steady red light and hit the woman's car who was crossing with the green signal. Both DeRusso and the woman suffered severe but not life-threatening injuries.

A third vehicle was also hit.

A special investigations unit and Moon Police downloaded information from each of the cars' computers and also used laser mapping in the investigation.

DeRusso was set to turn himself in this afternoon.

In an executive session, leaders voted to place DeRusso on administrative leave. There was no decision made on whether he'll keep his pay because he's still on medical leave.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

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