Man who drove over embankment is now facing DUI charges

A man who drove his vehicle over an embankment in Mahoning Township last month is now facing DUI charges.

Mahoning Township Police recently filed charges against 39-year-old Cory M. Blass, of Lehighton, for the Jan. 23 crash near the Packerton Dip on Route 209.

Police said they determined that Blass was under the influence of prescription medication he was given during a visit to the emergency room at Gnaden Huetten Hospital a few hours before the crash.

He was also driving with a suspended license.

Just before 2 p.m. on Jan. 23, a witness driving along Route 209 saw Blass’ white SUV leave the roadway and go over an embankment.

Police responded to the railroad tracks near Packerton Yards and met with Blass, who had gotten out of the vehicle. He told police that he was driven off the road, but was unable to describe the vehicle that did it.

He was transported to Gnaden Huetten for treatment, where police asked him to undergo a blood test. He related he was “screwed either way” because he had prescription Zoloft in his system. He refused the blood test, which is a violation of Pennsylvania’s implied consent law. ER staff reported that Blass later walked out of the emergency room against advice, with an IV needle still in his arm.

Police later obtained medical records from when Blass had visited the emergency room earlier that day. They said he was admitted at 11 a.m. for neck and back pain after he said he fell while shoveling snow. A urine screen upon arrival revealed a positive test for benzodiazepines.

He was given prescription medication including Toradol, Lopressor and Ultram. ER staff also gave him additional doses of Flexeril, Ultram and lisinopril.

He was discharged from the ER at 1:30 p.m., less than 30 minutes before the crash.

Blass faces DUI and related charges.