A startling incident unfolded in Wayne County when a pickup truck, loaded with beer, crashed into a Pennsylvania State Police station, resulting in injuries to a communications officer. The driver, Wade Louis Rickard, is currently detained with a hefty $6 million bail, as court records reveal.
Rickard, 36, allegedly drove his 2012 Nissan Frontier into the station located at 14 Collan Park, Cherry Ridge Township. The crash occurred around 6:53 p.m. on Thursday, after which Rickard reportedly fled on foot across state Route 191.
‘Numerous’ beer cans in cab
The police affidavit notes the discovery of “numerous amounts of both empty and full Busch Light beer cans” inside the truck’s cab. An alcoholic odor was also detected emanating from the vehicle.
“The airbags were deployed and there was damage to the windshield from the inside,” the affidavit states. “It appeared the operator had struck the windshield.”
‘Extensive’ damage to building noted
Significant damage was reported at the station’s entrance and communications room, affecting telephone services, according to State Police Cpl. Jason Traino. During the incident, a communications officer sustained minor injuries from displaced equipment.
A responding trooper, equipped with a ballistic shield and AR-15, confirmed the truck was still running but unattended, and records linked the vehicle to Rickard.
‘I’m drunk,’ Rickard allegedly tells trooper
Rickard was later spotted on Ski Run Road, appearing disheveled and with blood on his hand. A trooper instructed him to comply, leading to Rickard’s admission, “I’m drunk,” as per the affidavit.
Though Rickard was uncooperative with a blood test initially, a warrant allowed troopers to obtain a sample that night. His parents, interviewed by state police, expressed uncertainty about his presence on Route 191 and suggested the crash might have been intentional.
Rickard now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and driving under the influence.
