Greensburg Salem teacher arrested twice in single night on DUI, drug charges
A Greensburg Salem elementary school teacher was arrested twice in one night by Mt. Pleasant police for allegedly driving under the influence and possessing drugs.
Brian Minick, 39, of Mt. Pleasant teaches computer classes at Nicely and Metzgar elementary schools, according to district officials. He has been employed by the district since 2004.
Superintendent Eileen Amato said officials learned about the incidents during the weekend.
“We are aware of the charges, and he is on a (paid) leave that started today while we learn more about the charges,” Amato said Monday.
Minick was driving his Toyota pickup, weaving on West Main Street in Mt. Pleasant, when he struck another car shortly after 7:30 p.m., according to police.
A plastic bag containing 24 suspected hydrocodone pills was found in his vehicle, according to reports.
Minick's truck was towed, and his father drove him home, police said.
About 10:30 p.m., Mt. Pleasant patrolman Mike Stefko saw Minick's pickup moving slowly on Route 819, holding up traffic behind it.
Stefko recognized the truck from the earlier incident and attempted to get the driver to pull over, reports indicate.
Minick stopped his vehicle, then put it into reverse, nearly hitting Stefko's patrol car, police said.
Minick eventually pulled into a parking lot, and Stefko approached the truck with his gun drawn and ordered Minick to get out of the vehicle, according to reports.
Instead, Minick began spraying an aerosol can in his mouth, according to reports.
Stefko told Minick that he would use his Taser if Minick did not comply, but Minick continued to ignore him, reports show.
Stefko used his stun gun once on Minick, but it had no effect, so he used it twice more to subdue him, court records indicate.
A search of Minick's vehicle turned up two canisters of compressed air dusting spray and a wooden club with a black strap, records show.
He is charged with driving under the influence, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, weapons possession, aggravated assault, 24 counts of purchase or receipt of a controlled substance, two counts of use or possession of drug paraphernalia and accidental damage to an unattended vehicle.
He was arraigned before District Judge Roger Eckels and released on $7,500 bail.
Minick was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in Rostraver in November. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing on those charges on Monday.
Amato said the school district was unaware of the earlier arrest until last weekend.
Minick's preliminary hearing in connection with the Mt. Pleasant incidents is scheduled before Eckels on Thursday.
Jacob Tierney is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-836-6646 or jtierney@tribweb.com.
