PITTSBURGH,None — Authorities said a Pittsburgh man accused of crashing his car into the front steps of a Squirrel Hill synagogue claimed he was the messiah and said he "just got a feeling sent by God to drive real fast for some reason."
According to a criminal complaint, Adam DiSabato, 30, also asked police whether people who claim to be God "get off with an insanity plea" shortly after the crash.
Police said the car DiSabato was driving jumped a curb and crashed into the steps at the Congregation Poale Zedeck along Phillips Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, leaving behind a trail of crumbled concrete.
A witness told a Pittsburgh newspaper that DiSabato told him, "You're not going to believe this, but I'm the messiah."
Police said the car was involved in another accident moments before it hit the synagogue steps.
Police said another driver reported his vehicle was struck by the car at Forward and Murray avenues.
People who saw the synagogue accident told police the vehicle failed to negotiate a bend on Shady Avenue, lost control and skidded several feet before driving up the steps of the synagogue.
Witnesses said the driver crawl out of his window, ran around to the passenger door and then assisted the passenger out as they both tried to flee. Passers-by held the two until officers arrived.
At the synagogue, several handrails were severed, and there was damage to a statue, lantern, concrete steps and wall.
No one was hurt in the crash.
Police said the crash is not being considered a hate crime.
DiSabato is charged with reckless driving, accidents involving damaged to attended vehicle or property, speeding and other crimes. He remained in jail Thursday and court records don't list an attorney for him.
On Wednesday, Pittsburgh City Councilman Doug Shields said he asked Public Works crews to erect an appropriate barrier for the safety of pedestrians and people who worship or work at the synagogue.
"We are extremely fortunate that no one was injured or killed in this accident," Shields said in a statement. "I have personally witnessed children playing on the steps many times, and I don't want to take the chance of this happening again."
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