CLEARFIELD – The trial of a Clearfield man accused of hitting a fire company utility truck multiple times while there were passengers in the vehicle got under way Wednesday morning.
Richard Delisle of Clearfield is charged with five counts of criminal attempt to commit homicide, one count for each of the firefighters who were in the utility truck at the time of the incident. He also faces charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.
The case is being heard before the Honorable Judge Paul E. Cherry and while originally scheduled for three days, may run two, according to attorneys in the case.
The incident took place on July 1, 2007 at Gambler’s Raceway Park in Lawrence Township.
Clearfield County District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. addressed the jury before calling witnesses to the stand.
“We are arguing that the defendant tried to kill somebody,” said Shaw.
The commonwealth’s first witness was Steve Flanagan, who worked as a flagger under Delisle at the track the night of the incident. Flanagan said that he saw an altercation between Delisle and the fire department.
“I witnessed it,” said Flanagan, who also said the discussion was “heated.”
“There was a lot of cussing,” said Flanagan. Under cross-examination Flanagan said that because of his track radio, he could not hear all of what was said.
Flanagan went on to say that the argument between Ron Stiles of the Hyde Fire Company and Delisle was over payment. Under cross-examination by defense attorney Dan Bell, Flanagan said he was asked by the other flaggers to find out what was going on.
Flanagan said that he was told that the fire department was packing up unless they got paid.
As the firefighters were getting ready to leave, Flanagan said that Delisle backed into the utility truck. He said that Delisle then exited his truck. Flanagan said that some of the people in the utility truck had gotten out, but that one member, who had climbed into the back seat, and Delisle were arguing through a window.
Flanagan said that Delisle got into his truck, went forward and backed into the utility truck again. Flanagan said that Delisle then went around the scales area and came back, ramming the utility truck head-on. He then said that Delisle backed up and struck the utility truck head-on again before driving away from the scene.