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Crime & Safety

Pirates President Apologizes for DUI Arrest in Ross Township

Frank Coonelly was arrested on Dec. 22 and charged with careless driving, driving the wrong way, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Pittsburgh Pirates President Frank Connelly admitted today he had been arrested in December on drunken driving and other charges in Ross Township.

Coonelly, 51, of Sewickley, was arrested December 22. According to court records, he was charged with drunk driving, driving the wrong way, careless driving and driving with a blood alcohol content of at least .16. The state’s legal limit is .08. 

"My actions that evening were irresponsible and wrong," Coonelly said in a statement issued through the Pirates. "I take full and sole responsibility for them. There is no excuse for ever driving under the influence of alcohol."

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The team also issued a statement from Bob Nutting, the Pirates’ owner and chairman of the board.

"I expressed my extreme disappointment in his actions," Nutting said. "I know, through our discussion, he clearly understands the seriousness of his poor decisions, the harm that could have been inflicted on others and the embarrassment his mistakes have caused the organization."

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Coonelly waived his right to a preliminary hearing February 1, according to court records. His arraignment is scheduled for March 20.

In his statement, Coonelly also said, “my wife and I have preached to our children about the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol, not only for themselves but for the innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians on the road. I am embarrassed that I failed to follow this advice myself on this occasion and extremely grateful no one was injured or adversely affected by this serious lapse of judgment.”

Nutting added, "In the years I have gotten to know Frank personally I have learned that he is a dedicated husband and father who has strong values that are grounded in his family, religion and hard work. These mistakes are not characteristic of the man that I know and I am confident he has learned from them."

Court documents indicate this is Coonelly’s first offense.

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