Man Tries To Drive Across North Park Lake, Partially Submerges Vehicle

MCCANDLESS, Pa. (KDKA) - A man attempted to drive across the frozen North Park Lake on Wednesday night; ultimately, getting his vehicle partially submerged in the water.

According to Allegheny County Police, the man was unharmed and remained at the scene until police arrived.

Towing crews were working Thursday to pull the vehicle out of the lake.

"Is this the new normal?" said onlooker Steve Maxwell. "Not the world's greatest decision, but honestly, in these COVID times, people are desperate for some fun, I'm kind of amazed it's taken this long."

Jeff McVeigh couldn't believe it either. He was one of the many people who stopped by to see what happened.

"Just a couple of days ago, I was thinking, 'somebody hasn't tried this,' and now it's come true," said McVeigh.

Police said the 24-year-old got into this sticky situation around 10:30 Wednesday night.

"He said he thought it would be fun to drive on the ice then thought it was a parking lot," said Allegheny County Police District 3 Commander Lt. Scott Scherer. "He passed several signs noting there was a boat launch and no activities on the lake."

A nearby sign says no recreational activities are allowed except for ice fishing.

"We want to reiterate no activities on the ice on the lake are safe. It is dangerous. Please stay off the ice," said Scherer.

However, it's something locals like Maxwell said they like to take advantage of in the winter.

"My kids and I, we play hockey and skate on it. Fishermen use it quite a bit," said Maxwell. "Don't try this use though."

"Be careful. It's dumb to try to do something like this. Your car is going to go through at some point," said McVeigh.

Police don't believe the driver was under the influence. They said he will likely be charged.