Former PSU wrestler faces DUI, related charges

BELLEFONTE — A Penn State wrestler kicked off the team for violating team rules and standards of the program waived DUI and related charges on to Centre County Court prior to a scheduled preliminary hearing Wednesday.

David P. Rella, 20, of 510 McKee St. in State College, is charged with DUI, DUI as a minor and underage drinking following his arrest by Penn State police at 12:48 a.m. April 17.

An officer in a marked patrol unit watched Rella run a stop sign at Shortlidge and Pollock roads on campus, then come to a dead stop in the middle of the intersection when Rella saw the patrol car, according to the criminal complaint.

When the officer stopped Rella, he had slurred speech, glassy eyes and an odor of alcohol. Rella’s blood-alcohol content was .162 percent, more than twice the legal limit to drive in Pennsylvania, according to court documents.

Rella, a sophomore, was kicked off the team earlier this month, having competed in the 165-pound class. Two other wrestlers also were released for disciplinary reasons, but those reasons were not disclosed by Penn State’s athletic department.

Rella at first denied drinking, but later told police had five beers at his apartment before driving, according to the criminal complaint.