CL Man Convicted in Local News Anchor's Death Charged with DUI

The Crystal Lake man sentenced in July 2009 to three years probation for his part in an alcohol-related snowmobile accident that took news anchor Randy Salerno's life has been charged with DUI.

Scott D. Hirschey, 49, 1919 Blue Pine Dr., Crystal Lake, was arrested July 27, 2012, by Crystal Lake Police.

Hirschey was charged with one count of driving under the influence of alcohol, one count of driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood-alcohol content of .08 and one count of illegal possession/ transportation of liquor, according to reports released by the CLPD.

Bond was set at $3,000 with a 10 percent requirement. Records show Hirschey posted $100 cash and his drivers license and was released. He is scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11.

Fatal Snowmobile Accident

Hirschey was a lifelong friend of Randy Salerno, also of Crystal Lake. Salerno was a television news anchor for CBS-2 Chicago. The pair was involved in a snowmobiling accident on Jan. 24, 2008, near Eagle River, Wis., and Salerno died. 

A police investigation determined Hirschey was driving the snowmobile and Salerno, 45, was the passenger when, traveling at a high speed, the vehicle struck an icy patch on Plum Lake and hit a tree. 

Hirschey was charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Wisconsin court records show Hirschey on July 20, 2009, pleaded 'no contest' the charges against him and was convicted in Vilas County Court. He was sentenced to three-years probation and 100 hours community service, records show.

The judge also recommended grief counseling, and court records show 'no drink' listed under 'prohibition' on sentencing records. 

Salerno left behind a wife and three children. At the time of the accident, his wife, Irene, allegedly told a Chicago Tribune reporter she held no ill will against Hirschey.