Warrant: Driver had alcohol on his breath

LIGONIER — The driver of a van involved in a head-on crash that killed a police lieutenant had alcohol on his breath at the crash scene and a beer can inside the van, a search warrant released Monday says.

Clair Fink III was driving his employer’s van early May 5 when he went against traffic on U.S. Route 30, authorities said. Ligonier Township Lt. Eric Eslary was killed when his SUV was hit by the van.

At least four emergency workers said in an affidavit of probable cause they smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Fink’s breath.

Trooper Brian Sachs said he saw an empty 16-ounce Natural Ice beer can in the middle of the left eastbound lane at the accident scene and an identical beer can in the center console of the van, court documents show.

Derek Gifford told police he and Fink finished most of an 18-pack of beer before the crash.

Former ROTC instructor not guilty

AMBRIDGE — A former Junior ROTC instructor at Ambridge High School has been found not guilty of charges he was drunk when he showed up to drive a student to an activity hours after he was cited after an argument with his wife at a social club bar.

First Sgt. Carl Curtis of Baden previously was cleared of public drunkenness citations following the Sept. 7 dispute with his wife.

A jury also found the 48-year-old Marine not guilty Friday of public drunkenness and child endangerment.