Police: Greensburg man was drinking before crash that injured passenger, causing severe head injury

A Greensburg man is accused by police of being intoxicated during a vehicle crash in Unity last year that seriously hurt his passenger, according to court papers.

John Charles Wallish IV, 21, was charged last week with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, reckless endangerment and related offenses.

State police said they found Wallish standing near a wrecked Volkswagen Jetta on Marguerite Road just after 6 a.m. March 10, 2024, while his passenger was trapped inside the car. Wallish told a trooper he had been drinking at a friend’s house in Greensburg before getting behind the wheel, according to court papers.

In a news release issued after the crash, police said Wallish overcompensated around a bend in the road and the car hit an embankment and rolled over, coming to rest on its side.

Police said his blood-alcohol content was 0.133%. The legal limit to drive in Pennsylvania is 0.08%, but it is lower for someone under 21 at 0.02%. Wallish was 20 at the time of the crash.

The passenger was taken by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital for treatment of a severe head injury. Troopers said in court papers he continues to suffer from chronic injuries and pain.

The charges were sent by summons to Wallish. He could not be reached. An attorney was not listed in court records. A preliminary arraignment and hearing are set for Aug. 18.