Woman facing charges in Tamaqua hit-and-run

Tamaqua police have cited Colleen Marie Hodge, 52, of 11 Main St., Junedale, Banks Township, Carbon County, in connection with a hit-and-run incident in the borough on Oct. 9.

It started at the Pine Street Pub, 401 Pine St., when the bartender told the woman she had to leave due to the disturbance she was causing. The disturbance started after the bartender caught Hodge taking money from the bar countertop.

Hodge left the bar and got behind the wheel of a Mazda. As she drove away she struck a parked Toyota truck owned by Thomas Fredericks, of 209 Pine St. She then continued driving north on Route 309.

Rush Township police pulled the Mazda over in the area of the Pines Motel.

When questioned, Hodge admitted to having a few drinks, but didn't remember hitting anything, despite telling the officer she heard a loud bang as she was leaving the bar.

She refused to submit to field sobriety tests, but consented to a blood test, until she arrived at St. Luke's Hospital - Miners Campus in Coaldale.

At the hospital she became uncooperative, kicking at the police and a security guard.

When told of the consequences of refusing the blood test, she became calmer, allowing staff members to draw blood. During that time she continued to verbally threaten the security guard.

Tamaqua police cited her for driving under the influence of alcohol and the hit-and-run.

Coaldale police will be in charge of filing citations in connection with her actions at the hospital.