Arona man accused by troopers of DUI in fatal 2021 crash in Hempfield

State police on Wednesday arrested a 54-year-old man on charges of drunken driving and homicide by vehicle for allegedly causing a 2021 crash along Route 136 in Hempfield that killed a woman.

A forensic test on Ronald A. Jaffre of Arona indicated he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.14% at the time of the 8 p.m. April 2 crash, according to court documents. An adult driver in Pennsylvania is considered legally intoxicated with a reading of 0.08%.

JoAnn Wardzek, 58, of Sewickley Township died at the scene of the two-vehicle collision along Route 136 between Edna Road and Lower Lane. She was a passenger in a car driven by her husband, James C. Wardzek, 55, who was flown to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment, according to troopers.

James Wardzek declined to comment on Jaffre’s arrest when reached by phone.

Jaffre was driving westbound in his 2008 Chevrolet Malibu sedan when it crossed the double yellow lines into the eastbound lane and struck Wardzek’s car on the driver’s side, Trooper Michael Kowalski reported. James Wardzek, who had to be extricated out of his vehicle by firefighters, attempted to avoid the crash, troopers said.

Jaffre told investigators he had “two beers four hours prior to the crash,” according to court papers. But Kowalski said in court documents that Jaffre “smelled of alcoholic beverages” at the scene.

As he was questioned by troopers, Jaffre began suffering chest pains and was transported by ambulance to Excela Health Westmoreland hospital in Greensburg, where he consented to a forensic blood test, according to court papers.

During his arraignment before Hempfield District Judge Mark Mansour, an emotional Jaffre openly wept during the proceeding.

“I’ve never been in trouble before in my entire life. I go through nightmares every day over this,” Jaffre said.

In addition to DUI and homicide by vehicle, Jaffre is charged with two counts of reckless endangerment and single counts of aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and careless driving, reckless driving and multiple traffic offenses.

Jaffre declined to comment as he departed Mansour’s office.

Jaffre told Mansour he intends to hire an attorney. He was released on $100,000 unsecured bond pending a preliminary hearing May 3.