Schuylkill teen facing DUI count

A Schuylkill County teen is facing a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) following a one vehicle crash. State police at Schuylkill Haven said the crash occurred about 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, at 145 Railroad St., in Cressona.

Troopers said a 17-year-old male from Pottsville was driving a 2007 Ford Taurus eastbound near Carpenter St. when, for unknown reasons, he swerved the vehicle to the left and crashed head-on into a parked 2006 Jeep Liberty. After impact the Jeep was pushed about 30 feet down the road.

While interviewing the teen, troopers said he admitted that he was smoking, "Mr. Nice Guy", a synthetic marijuana and had taken at least one oxycodone painkiller. He was transported to the Schuylkill Medical Center-S. Jackson St., Pottsville, for a blood test.

Troopers said he will be charged with DUI of a controlled substance and careless driving.

A passenger in the vehicle, Ian Mataka, 18, of Landingville, sustained minor injuries in the crash as did the teen driver.

The parked car is the property of Anthony Chuplis, of Cressona, troopers added.