Man Turns In Self After Leading Police On Chase Near Memorial Day Parade

Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A man who allegedly led police on a chase near a Memorial Day parade route in Liberty Borough has turned himself in to authorities.

William Gasdick, 26, was accompanied by his lawyer as he entered a local magistrate's office in Clairton Wednesday morning.

He's accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol into a large group of people who were preparing for the Liberty Borough Memorial Day parade on Saturday.

Police say Gasdick was traveling at a high-rate of speed, swerving through several blocks before he crashed his white SUV into a telephone pole.

"He came up over the knob at me at probably 40 miles per hour. I tried to stop him with my lights on and we went right around me and kept on going," Liberty Borough Police Lt. Raymond Johnson said.

The Liberty Borough police chief told the district judge Gasdick endangered the lives of hundreds of people, including children. The chief also said Gasdick's blood alcohol count was 0.28.

Gasdick suffered a head injury in the crash and was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital to be treated.

Police say before they could return to the hospital with an arrest warrant for Gasdick, he was gone.
He faces several charges, including felony counts of aggravated assault and attempting to elude police.

The judge set Gasdick's bond at $10,000 straight cash. He told Gasdick that he makes bad decisions when he drinks. And, he said, Liberty Borough is a small community and Gasdick knew the children whose lives he was putting in danger.

Gasdick must also have a drug and alcohol evaluation, he cannot drive and he must not have any contact with witnesses or victims in this case.

One of the Liberty Borough police lieutenants who arrested him says Gasdick threatened to kill him and his family.