Abington Trash Truck Driver Arrested for Alleged DUI

Abington Police arrested a township trash truck driver at the public works facility on Florey Lane after he allegedly crashed into the canopy over the fuel pumps in the highway yard.

Frank Calci, 55, of the 400 block of Cricket Avenue, North Hills, was arrested July 2 at about 8 a.m. According to police, a witness said Calci struck the canopy, then lowered the rear gate of the vehicle he was driving and drove toward the highway facility exit near Arbuta Road; though the witness said Calci didn’t initially stop, Calci ultimately parked the vehicle and went to the break room to fill out a township accident report.

According to police, Calci said he was driving the vehicle but did not answer when he was asked if he attempted to leave the highway yard. Calci was very lethargic, had extremely red, glassy bloodshot eyes, and seemed to “zone out,” police said. 

Calci, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and a controlled substance, appeared to have fallen asleep during a field sobriety test, police said.

Calci’s blood tested positive for Fentanyl, a synthetic morphine substitute; Zolpidem, more commonly known as Ambien; Paroxetine, an anti-depressant; and Norfnetanyl, police said. He was charged with DUI, careless driving and related charges. 

Calci, who does not appear to have a criminal history, is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. in front of District Justice Juanita Price.