Haverford High School Football Coach Faces DUI Charge

58-year-old Joe Gallagher, a longtime football coach at Haverford High School in Delaware County, is going to need a good defensive coordinator after his recent DUI charge.

Gallagher was arrested on the suspicion of drunk driving after he allegedly fled the scene of a crash that took place in Prospect Park on Saturday. According to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, he is also facing charges of reckless driving apart from the DUI charge.

Police reports confirm that Gallagher allegedly drove into another vehicle about 4 p.m. when he was at an intersection. After the crash, he fled the scene. However, no one was injured in the crash.

Gallagher was later pulled over by a Prospect Park Police Department officer who spotted his car as described by witnesses.

The officer found an open bottle of Piraat Belgian Ale in the car’s center cup holder. Gallagher also had a faint odor of alcohol on his breath and he told the officer that he “messed up.”

“I hit [the other driver] and should have stopped,” he told the officer.

According to Amanda Larsen, a spokeswoman for the Haverford Township School District, Gallagher has taken a leave of absence from his coaching position. The reason for his leave of absence is “personal reasons”.

During his absence, an assistant coach at Haverford High, Jack O’Donnell, will serve as the acting head coach.

News Source: Mobile.Philly.com