Prospective student hit by drunk driver

By Erin Brodbeck
Collegian Editor
November 8, 2006

A drunk driver struck a prospective student who was visiting campus Nov. 1 at 10:48 a.m., Security reported.

The victim, a male from Collegeville, Pa., whose name has not been released, was crossing the intersection of Wister, Olney and Chew Streets, across from the La Salle Apartments. He was walking from Good Shepherd parking lot to main campus where a campus visit program was being held.

According to Associate Director of Security, Dennis Graeber, the driver of the car was a non-affiliate from North Philadelphia. He had a red light, yet proceeded through the intersection, striking the prospective student. The driver was later arrested for a DUI, Graeber said.

A Security officer who was on duty near the scene of the accident immediately called in for back up. Philadelphia Police were also called to the scene, Graeber said.

The victim refused medical treatment on the scene, and was brought home to see his family physician. Currently, he is awaiting further medical examinations that will determine whether or not he sustained any serious injuries.

Security notified Admissions of the incident so that someone could get in touch with the family of the victim, Graeber said.

“When an incident like this happens, we like to notify the appropriate department so they can take action,” Graeber said.

Jim Plunkett, Associate Dean of Admission at La Salle, has been in contact with the victim’s father.

“I haven’t seen him, but it sounds like he has some minor bumps and bruises,” Plunkett said. “He seems to be in good spirits, and he is still interested in La Salle.”

Representatives from Admissions have checked in on the student multiple times since the accident. “Something like this could happen at any college visit,” Plunkett said.

brodbecke1@lasalle.edu