Lansford driver cited with in DUI Tamaqua

Tamaqua police have cited Jeffrey Ronald Bresnak, 22, of 314 W. Snyder Ave., Lansford, after an incident on May 2.

It was 12:24 a.m. when officers received a call about a black and red Chevrolet Blazer being driven erratically on Route 309, entering Tamaqua from the north. The caller said the SUV was all over the roadway, crossing the double yellow lines, then drifting across the white fog lines. As the vehicle entered Tamaqua, it almost struck a PennDOT sign in the area of the Jeep dealership.

It then turned right onto Elm Street.

An officer found a black and red Blazer parked, with the engine idling, in the area of Nescopec and Jerome streets. A male, later identified as Bresnak, was in the driver's seat. As the cruiser approached, the other driver turned off the lights and ignition. The officer traveled past, then doubled back to find the SUV's engine running and the lights turned on. He parked the cruiser, at which time Bresnak again turned off the ignition and lights, then reclined the driver's seat.

When asked for a driver's license, insurance card and registration, Bresnak admitted he didn't have them with him.

A records check indicated he didn't have a license with him because it was suspended. The vehicle's inspection sticker had expired as of November 2014.

Bresnak appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and told the officer he was taking prescribed medication.

He was given field sobriety tests, which he failed. He was transported to St. Luke's Hospital-Miners Campus in Coaldale, where blood was drawn for chemical testing.

He was charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance, careless driving, reckless driving, failure to stay in a single traffic lane and driving with a suspended license.