Sheriff’s deputy accused in crash
A Washington County sheriff’s deputy is on unpaid administrative leave after allegedly crashing into the back of another vehicle at a Washington intersection early Saturday while intoxicated and then fleeing.
Anthony Interval, 53, of Huffman Avenue, Washington, is accused of crashing into the back of a vehicle driven by John Patterson, 57, of North Franklin Township, at Maiden and South Main streets about 12:20 a.m. Interval allegedly got out of his vehicle and asked Patterson not to call police, then fled.
Patterson and a witness were able to get a license plate number from the vehicle. Washington police said they went to Interval’s home and found his wrecked car, and they said damaged parts found at the accident scene matched Interval’s vehicle.
Police said they spotted Interval staggering on the sidewalk adjacent to his home, bleeding from an injury to his mouth. He allegedly asked that nothing be done, because his name would be on the front page of the newspaper. Police say he also told officers that he did not hit Patterson’s vehicle very hard.
Interval was taken to Washington Hospital, where blood was drawn to determine his level of intoxication. He refused treatment for his mouth injury, even though he was told by emergency room personnel that he should have stitches to close the wound. Patterson also was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Washington County Sheriff Sam Romano said Interval has worked for the department on and off over the years, but has worked there steadily for the last seven or eight years.
“We put him on unpaid administrative leave without pay until this is resolved,” Romano said. “We are waiting for the toxicology results. He’s a good guy. It breaks my heart.”
Interval is the second deputy sheriff to face drunken driving charges in the last six months. Paul Rock, 35, of Stockdale, is awaiting an April 21 formal arraignment in Cambria County on charges of DUI, failure to stop at a red light, disregarding traffic signals, careless driving and other summary traffic offenses.
Rock was arrested Nov. 29 by state police from the Ebensburg barracks, stemming from an incident in Cambria Township. He waived his case to court at a March 17 preliminary hearing.
Romano, himself, was charged with DUI in June 2008 in Elkins, W.Va. He pleaded guilty, paying a $100 fine and court costs.