Summit Hill man facing DUI count

Coaldale police have charged a Summit Hill man with driving under the influence (DUI) and related charges.

Edward J. Smith, 35, of 424 W. White St., was charged with two counts of DUI and failing to use his headlights.

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Officer Jeremy Talanca, here's what happened:

At about 9:15 p.m. Oct. 2, Talanca was on duty and parked in the lot of Pappy's Mini Mart when he saw a 2006 Humvee without headlights on traveling east on SR209 approaching the Lansford border. Talanca pulled the vehicle over, and assisted by fellow Officer Charles A. Blesse, approached the driver's side of the vehicle.

He identified the driver as Smith, and smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Smith's breath. Smith admitted to having had alcohol that evening, and failed field sobriety tests.

A portable breath test indicated an alcohol level of 0.085 percent. Smith was arrested, his vehicle towed and he was taken to the police station. There, another breath test showed his alcohol level to be at 0.086 percent.

He was released from custody and taken home.