Tamaqua driver facing charges

A Tamaqua man faces charges related to a hit and run accident that damaged a house on Nov. 27.

Officers were dispatched to 415 Nescopec St. at 6:45 p.m. when the homeowner called to report that someone had just struck the side of her home with a vehicle, a tan Chevrolet Blazer. She was familiar with the vehicle and its owner, Norman Paisley, 49, of 422 W. Rowe St., due to his employment as a bartender at the Keystone Hunt and Fish Club, located near her property.

Tire tracks were located next to the home and the white siding was damaged.

Paisley's vehicle was located minutes later in the area of his home. The hood was warm to the touch, the keys were in the ignition and the rear, passenger side bumper had recent damage with flecks of white paint.

Paisley was uncooperative and appeared to be highly intoxicated. The suspect vehicle was towed from the area, secured and searched. Officers found a clear plastic bag with marijuana and an unlabeled pill bottle containing what was later identified as cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride (Flexeril), available only by prescription.

Paisley later admitted to the accident and to having possession of the drugs. He faces charges of possession of marijuana and hit and run.