Driver facing DUI after crash

A Schuylkill County driver is facing a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) following a one vehicle crash that occurred about 2 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21, along SR209 at Church Rd., in Branch Township. It was one of three DUI cases reported by state police at Schuylkill Haven.

Troopers said Jonathan Bass, 23, of Tremont, was driving a 1994 GMC 1500 truck southbound when, for unknown reasons, he lost control and went onto the west berm. The truck then struck a utility pole containing a transformer, a street sign and a stop sign at the intersection with Church Rd. Upon impact the bottom of the pole snapped and leaned onto the front of the truck.

Bass sustained minor injuries in the crash. Bass was suspected of being under the influence and failed field sobriety tests. He was then transported to the Schuylkill Medical Center South, Pottsville, for treatment of minor injuries and a blood test. The DUI charge is pending the test results.

The road was closed for several hours until PPL crews could repair the damaged pole. The truck sustained moderate damages and had to be towed from the scene.

Troopers said on Saturday, Feb. 20, about 9:34 p.m. Walter Thomas Hunter, 39, of Pottsville, was stopped for a traffic violation at the intersection of SR61 and SR813, in North Manheim Township. He was found to be under the influence and failed field sobriety tests, troopers said. The DUI charge is pending.

Also on Saturday, about 1:02 a.m., William McGovern, 48, of Auburn, was stopped along Summerhill Road, in South Manheim Township, for a traffic violation. He was found to be under the influence and failed field sobriety tests. He was then taken to the barracks for a breath test, which he refused. He will be charged with DUI, troopers said.