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Man pleads guilty in crash that killed Ligonier Township police officer

A man charged in connection with the traffic crash death of a Ligonier Township police officer pleaded guilty Friday to five charges.

Clair Fink was accused of being drunk when he crashed his work van head-on into a police SUV while driving the wrong way on Route 30 in May 2015.

The SUV was driven by 40-year-old Lt. Eric Eslary, who was killed.

Eslary was driving on Route 30 in his patrol SUV with his K-9 officer, Blek, at the time of the crash. Fink was driving east in the westbound lanes of Route 30 when he slammed into Eslary's vehicle.

Fink pleaded guilty to the most serious charges: third-degree murder, homicide by vehicle under DUI and three other DUI-related charges. The seven remaining charges were dismissed as part of a plea bargain.

Fink's blood alcohol level was 0.197 when it was tested two hours after the crash. Last week, Fink had an emotional plea and apology, telling Channel 11 he was sorry and wanted the case to end for the Eslary family.

"I'm ready for it to be over," Fink said last week.

After the court hearing on Friday, the victim's wife, Mary Beth Eslary, said, "I am thankful that he has admitted his guilt. Now we prepare for the sentencing. It's not over yet. As for forgiveness, he needs to ask that from his own God. I'm not ready yet."

The plea could carry a minimum of 6 years to 20 years in prison. Officials said Fink will be sentenced in about 90 days.

Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage. 

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