Driver in Barricade Crash Identified as Pennsylvania Man

(Bridget Bowman/CQ Roll Call)
(Bridget Bowman/CQ Roll Call)
By Hannah Hess
Posted July 31, 2015 at 3:02pm

The man who crashed his red sedan Friday morning into a barricade about 150 yards south of the Capitol appears to have a history of criminal activity related to automobiles.  

Police in Pennsylvania arrested Antonio Pierorazio, 50, in April 2014 following a spate of vandalism at car dealership lots near Reading. In three separate incidents, Pierorazio is alleged to have scratched 21 vehicles, causing more than $29,000 worth of damage. At the time of his arrest, Pierorazio told troopers he was schizophrenic, according to local media reports. The case remains active.  

On Friday, Capitol Police identified Pierorazio as the man involved in the accident and provided his birth date but could not confirm a permanent residence. Pierorazio, who was charged with felony destruction of property and unlawful entry, told reporters he was from Reading, Pa.  

Pierorazio allegedly claimed he intentionally rammed his car into the barricade because he was trying to get a patent for a new line of clothing.  

An attorney who has represented Pierorazio in Pennsylvania could not be reached.