Springdale man again accused of striking borough worker with vehicle

A Springdale man is accused of hitting a borough worker with his vehicle for the second time in less than a year.

Springdale police Chief George Polnar said the latest incident happened Friday when Andrew Palyarik, 68, drove at the worker as he was repairing a drain on Colfax Street.

An affidavit filed by police said Palyarik slowed down his vehicle and began blowing kisses at the worker to taunt him before hitting the worker with the passenger side mirror of his vehicle.

The worker fell to the ground and complained of pain in both elbows, according to the affidavit. The court paperwork said the worker told police he was “in fear for his life and safety.”

The worker was evaluated at a local hospital and returned to work Monday, Polnar said.

Palyarik was charged with simple assault, reckless driving and harassment and released from Allegheny County Jail on $25,000 bond, court records show. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 6 in front of District Judge David J. Sosovicka in Harmar.

Palyarik, who could not be reached for comment, is awaiting a nonjury trial in connection with a July 8, 2019, incident in which police said he drove at the same worker while he was on Porter Street to fix a sinkhole. Police said Palyarik revved his engine before driving toward the worker and skimming the worker’s arm with the driver’s side of his car.

The trial on charges of simple assault and harassment is scheduled to start July 20 in front of Allegheny County Judge Anthony Mariani, according to District Attorney’s Office spokesman Mike Manko.

Palyarik made an unsuccessful bid for borough council in the 2005 Democratic primary. He also is a former member of the borough’s Civil Service Commission.