Dave (imported) wrote: Wed Nov 16, 2011 10:15 pm
Like the other eight dealerships along the busy stretch of Washington Road in Peters, the glass windows that wrap around the showroom at Vasko Dodge provide customers an inviting view of the shiny new cars and trucks inside.
But for Robert E. Snatchko Jr. of Oakdale, the windows were an inviting target for his anger on Tuesday morning.
Unhappy that the roadside assistance plan that came with the red Dodge Ram 1500 pickup he recently bought did not cover sending someone out to open a door after he locked the keys inside, Snatchko, 53, crashed the truck into an entranceway, according to police.
"We were warming up before class and heard the crash," said Dean Kelly, 44, an instructor at the C.S. Kim karate studio across the street. "We ran outside and saw the front end of this pickup through the glass and this guy walking around with his shirt off."
Kelly said the driver appeared to have removed his shirt and placed it on his head because he had suffered an injury. He said employees detained Snatchko until police arrived a few minutes later.
Peters police Chief Harry Fruecht said the dealership's owner, William Vasko, told investigators that Snatchko called on Monday to complain and that Vasko hung up when Snatchko began yelling profanities.
Snatchko called back and spoke with Vasko's brother, John, and threatened to crash the truck into the building, Fruecht said.
At about 9 a.m. yesterday, Snatchko followed through on the threat, police said.
A witness saw the pickup idling about 5 feet from the entrance, heard the engine race and then saw Snatchko jump out as the truck sped forward into the glass.
Snatchko was treated at St. Clair Hospital, Fruecht said. Police charged him with reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and making terroristic threats. He was released after posting $5,000 bail.
Snatchko could not be reached for comment. He faces a preliminary hearing on Nov. 22 before District Judge James C. Ellis.
William Vasko declined to elaborate on what happened at his dealership.
"The fact that he (Snatchko) was charged with crimes for what he did says all that needs to be said about this," Vasko said.
Read more: Dealership takes brunt of driver's rage - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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