Schuylkill crashes lead to DUI counts

Two separate one-vehicle crashes early today, reported four minutes apart, along Schuylkill County roadways, have driving under the influence (DUI) charges pending against the drivers. State police at Schuylkill Haven investigated both incidents.

A crash occurred at 2:38 a.m. at 28 Martha Lane, in North Manheim Township. Troopers said James Petrilla, of Hazleton, was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Malibu northbound and negotiating a right-hand curve when the vehicle struck a fence post along the west berm. After impact the vehicle got stuck on an embankment while Petrilla attempted to make a U-turn to leave the area. Damages were minor to the car and Petrilla, who was not wearing a seat belt, was not injured. The DUI charge is pending.

At 2:42 a.m. the second incident occurred at the intersection of East Second Mountain Road and Lincoln Avenue, in West Brunswick Township. Troopers said Travis M. Sterner, 21, of Orwigsburg, was driving a 2001 Honda Civic eastbound on Lincoln and attempting to turn onto Second Mountain Road.

After turning onto Second Mountain Road Sterner lost control of the car which went onto the berm. The car traveled 114 feet in a eastward direction before striking a utility pole head-on. After impact with the pole the car spun counter-clockwise and traveled an additional 60 feet in an eastward direction before coming to rest on the passenger side facing west.

Sterner was injured and taken to the Schuylkill Medical Center, S. Jackson St., Pottsville. Troopers said the DUI charge will be filed.