Police: Homeless man caused parking garage to malfunction
A homeless man who was living in the control room of the Uniontown parking garage accidentally caused a malfunction, trapping vehicles inside when he tried to turn a fan off, police said.
Donal R. Humbert, 47, told police he moved into the garage control room because he was being harassed while sleeping on a bench outside.
Uniontown Mayor Bernie Kasievich called police Friday when he learned the lights were out at the 40 W. Church St. garage. Uniontown police found the elevators and gates were not working and drivers were trapped inside. Officer John Kauer found Humbert behind an open steel security door, grabbing at switches and equipment inside the control panel, according to court documents.
Humbert told the officer he was trying to turn off a fan that was blowing on him.
He allegedly caused $1,000 in damages, according to court paperwork.
Humbert is charged with institutional vandalism, criminal mischief and criminal trespass.
He is lodged in Fayette County Prison in lieu of a $5,000 bond. He faces a preliminary hearing at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 12 before Magisterial District Judge Michael Metros.