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April 13, 2009

'Tea missile' suspect going to trial

A Wampum man charged with tossing bottles at vehicles has waived his case to court.

James J. McDonald, 34, of 1052 Main St., was charged with recklessly endangering another, propulsion of missiles into an occupied vehicle and criminal mischief when police said he threw a half-gallon ice tea bottle from his pickup truck, at 11:12 p.m. on Feb. 25, striking the windshield of a marked state police cruiser that was traveling 50 miles per hour, on Route 18 near Stonecrest Golf Course. Police said the smashed glass shards landed on the troopers and caused in excess of $600 damage.

After this incident was reported, police said, other victims came forward.

Also waived to court yesterday were charges against McDonald of propulsion of missiles into an occupied vehicle and criminal mischief for throwing a half-gallon iced tea bottle from his pickup truck at a Chevy Corsica driven by Michael John Mihalko, southbound on Route 18 at 11:10 p.m. on Jan. 29, striking the windshield and covering the driver with shards of glass. Police said no injuries were reported but the action caused damages in excess of $152.

He is also charged with propulsion of missiles into an occupied vehicle, criminal mischief for throwing a half-gallon iced tea bottle at a jeep, driven by Cherry Lynn Tedrow, southbound on Route 18 at 12:12 a.m. on Dec. 13, 2008, striking the side of the jeep damaging the side mirror and causing in excess of $100 damage. No injuries were reported.

Police said additional charges against McDonald are expected to be filed.

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