Did a Priest in Pennsylvania Really Crash into His Own Church?

On July 11, 2016, a vehicle crashed into the Holy Spirt Catholic Church in Millvale, and while no injuries were reported, news stations, particularly Channel 11, have been rather suspicious as to who was responsible for causing the crash. Now, after weeks of questioning and calling, the word is out and apparently the priest himself is being identified as the culprit in the accident. Car accident lawyers in Pittsburg, PA are identifying the priest, and possible criminal as James Mazurek.

According to a tip, the priest’s BAC was over the legal limits.

Channel 11 News received a criminal complaint and tip that did in fact identify the priest as the driver who crashed into his own church, however, it wasn’t shear inattentiveness that caused him to do this. Apparently, Mazurek was driving while drunk and according to the complaint the news station received, he had a strong odor of alcohol coming from him along with blood shot eyes. When Mazurek was tested for his blood alcohol content levels (BAC), one displayed 0.09 and another 0.10. In the state of Pennsylvania, the legal limit is 0.08 which places Mazurek .01 or .02 over that limit.

Pittsburg car crash attorneys also point out that Mazurek was on the defense as he was contacted for questioning. He replied, “I’m not talking. It’s not settled,” which may imply that he isn’t necessarily taking the blame for causing the accident. Thankfully nobody was in the church when the mishap occurred and only minor damage was done to the exterior part of the building.

While most individuals frown on those for driving while intoxicated because of the large risk it imposes on other people’s lives, it seems as though the priest is still being backed by his church and those that attend as he still works there. A spokesperson for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburg refused to comment on the incident at hand, and stated that what transpired was simply between Mazurek and his parishioners. And ironically, on the same day the car crash occurred, Mazurek was named the administrator of the church.

If you are ever involved in a car accident that resulted from a drunk driver, contact a local auto accident law firm.

While this particular case highlights why a person should never drink and drive, there are many accounts where the repercussions for doing so are much harsher. Mazurek is lucky to be alive and to not have caused any other sort of accident with any other drivers as it is quite easy to do so when a driver is impaired.

As a reminder, never step foot into a vehicle after having consumed alcohol. Always keep in mind that if you ever become the victim to a car accident caused by an impaired driver that you have rights as an accident victim, and the auto accident attorneys at Goodrich and Associates, P.C. can inform you of what those are.

 

Car collisions have the potential to not only change a person’s life, but also take it. So, if you ever need a lawyer in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to represent you and your case after engaging in a wreck, call 412-261-4663 and speak with a licensed car crash attorney who can further advise you on the necessary steps you need to take.