Lehighton man with prior convictions faces newest DUI charge

A Lehighton man already with two prior convictions faces his newest DUI charge.

According to the affidavit filed by Lehighton Borough Police Department:

At 8:20 p.m. Sept. 16, officers saw a black Sedan traveling southbound on the 100 block of South Second Street.

As the vehicle traveled southbound, police observed that it did not have registration lighting.

A traffic stop was initiated and the male driver, who had exited the vehicle, was known to police from prior encounters as Trans Eckhart, 38.

During the initial conversation with Eckhart, police noticed the vehicle’s inspection was expired.

Officers also saw Eckhart had unusually glassed-over and bloodshot eyes, along with quick speech and making jerky movements. Eckhart was eventually placed through a series of roadside testing, during which he showed signs of impairment.

Eckhart was then taken into custody. He refused to submit to a blood test.

Police also confirmed that Eckhart had two prior DUI convictions.

Eckhart faces charges of DUI; operation of vehicle without official certificate of inspection; and general lighting requirements.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing May 1 before District Judge Eric Schrantz of Jim Thorpe.