WEST EARL TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
157 W. Metzler Road
Brownstown, PA 17508
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DUI Hit & Run Crash
West Earl Township, Pa – A Reading woman was arrested for driving under the influence and multiple other charges after causing a crash on Route 222, then fleeing from the scene.
On September 20, 2021 at 3:07AM Officer Ryan Blessing while patrolling Route 222, observed a Jeep Wrangler traveling at a high rate of speed in the southbound lanes. Officer Blessing then observed the Jeep cause a crash by striking another vehicle. The Jeep failed to stop after the crash and fled the area. Officer Blessing stopped to check on the other motorist involved in the crash.
As Officer Blessing was checking on that motorist, a Pennsylvania State Trooper arrived and asked if a Jeep Wrangler was involved in the crash. The Trooper was looking for the Jeep because it was observed driving recklessly through an active construction zone further up on 222.
The Trooper searched for the Jeep on Route 222, before locating it in the Brownstown Sheetz parking lot. The driver was identified as Carley James (24YOA) of Reading, PA. James admitted she was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Officer Blessing detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle and from James. Officer Blessing having reasonable suspicion that James was under the influence, had James complete sobriety tests. James was unable to complete the sobriety tests as instructed and was placed under arrest for DUI. James was transported back to WEPD’s station to provide a breath samples. James’s official BAC was a .128. James was processed while at WEPD’s station and charges were completed.
James has been charged with the following charges: DUI – General Impairment (M), DUI – High Rate (M), Recklessly Endangering Another Person (M2), Accident Involving Damage to Attended Vehicle or Property (M3), Possession of Marijuana (M), Duty to Give Information and Render Aid (S), Immediate Notice of Accident to Police Department (S), Reckless Driving (S), Driving Vehicle at Safe Speed (S), Disregard Traffic Lane (S).
After the charges were completed, James was transported to Lancaster County Prison. James was arraigned by Magisterial District Justice, Jonathan Heisse, the next morning.
The public and media are reminded that all criminal charges are merely accusations and all subjects are innocent until proven guilty.
Jordan Byrnes, Public Information Officer
