Man Drives Chip-Loaded Van Into Barracks

A man intentionally drove a delivery van loaded with potato chips through the lobby of a state police barracks early Thursday morning, authorities said.

Roy Thomas Chaivarlis, 31, of Yatesboro, was charged with aggravated assault, risking a catastrophe, driving under the influence and related offenses following the crash, which happened just after 1:30 a.m.

Police said they have dealt with Chaivarlis previously and that Chaivarlis said he hated the state police. Chaivarlis did not say why he drove into the brick building, Lt. Thomas Dubovi said.

Trooper Troy Christie was working the dispatch desk, facing the lobby, when the 1988 Dodge Ram van crashed into the lobby.

"I heard a large bang, like an explosion, and then the building shook and the lights flickered," he said. "I looked up and saw the van coming through the lobby, and jumped up and yelled to the other guys to make sure they were safe."

No one was injured, though the crash heavily damaged the building's exterior and lobby.

Chaivarlis was being held in the Armstrong County jail. It was not clear if he had an attorney.

Kittanning is about 40 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

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