Lansford man charged with fleeing police, other counts
A Lansford man is facing charges following an incident on May 29 in Summit Hill.
Borough police said at 11:54 p.m. an officer monitoring traffic observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Route 902 near the Valero station with one brake light out. The officer attempted a traffic stop but the driver sped away. Before fleeing, the officer noticed the driver begin to scream and punch the roof and steering wheel of the vehicle upon seeing the emergency lights of the police vehicle.
The driver traveled eastbound along East White Bear Drive with the police behind him with lights and siren activated. He then made an abrupt U-turn, almost striking the police cruiser and forcing the officer to swerve to avoid a crash.
The vehicle was then driven back westbound where it was driven up the lawn at 102 E. White Bear Drive and parked behind the residence. The driver then exited the vehicle and approached the police cruiser in an irate manner screaming obscenities. He was taken down by the officer and handcuffed.
The driver was identified as Eric Berger, 35. He admitted using methamphetamine earlier in the day. The vehicle he was driving had forged/altered state inspection stickers. A records check showed Berger’s license was under suspension, DUI related, and his license has been expired since July 6, 2009.
Berger was placed under arrest and agreed to a blood draw.
He has been charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police, DUI of a controlled substance, altered, forged or counterfeit documents, driving under suspension — DUI related, reckless driving, careless driving, and general lighting requirements.
