Man severely injured after being hit by alleged drunk driver speaks out during recovery

PITTSBURGH — A woman accused of driving drunk and hitting a man is heading to trial, and the man police say she hit is thanking his family and the community after going through nine surgeries.

Channel 11 spoke with the victim exclusively as he recovers in his hospital bed at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

Chris Alexander said he’s in good spirits, getting better each day. He has his family and the community to thank for helping him through this difficult time.

“I just want to thank everybody for the cards and everything and the support people,” said Alexander.

Alexander, 40, remains in the hospital with at least 20 broken bones after being hit by a car earlier this month. Meanwhile, the accused drunk driver, 29-year-old Carly Lescallette, was in court on Thursday.

Only Channel 11 was there to question Lescallette after her hearing that was waived.

Lescallete is accused of driving drunk and hitting Alexander while he was walking in the crosswalk outside the American Legion in Monaca.

According to the criminal complaint, Lescallette had several drinks before driving that night. Her blood alcohol content was between .13% and .16% which is double the legal limit.

The victim’s family said this was one step closer to justice and had mixed emotions when they saw the driver.

“You go through the motion of anger, but you also have sympathy, I mean, I would never want to be in her shoes. To see the toll it has taken on her as it has our family it’s sad on both occasions,” said Amber Alexander.

Channel 11 also spoke with Lescallette’s defense attorney while she faces several serious charges.

“She’s distraught over the injuries this young man has suffered and hopes for a full speedy recovery,” said defense attorney Blaine Jones.

Alexander has a long road to recovery with more surgeries ahead of him. His family said a fundraiser will be held on July 8 at 6 p.m. at Rochester Turners to help Alexander with his medical bills.

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