KNOX TWP., Pa. (EYT) – A Punxsutawney man has waived his preliminary hearing on a laundry list of DUI and drug-related charges.
According to online court documents, the following charges against 48-year-old Timothy Duane Kessler, of Punxsutawney, have been transferred to the Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas:
- Marijuana-Small Amt Personal Use, Misdemeanor
- DUI: General Impairment/Incompetent of Driving Safely – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- DUI: Highest Rte of Alcohol (BAC .16+) 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- DUI: Controlled Substance – Schedule 1 – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- DUI: Controlled Substance – Metabolite – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- DUI: Controlled Substance – Impaired Ability – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- DUI: Controlled Substance – Combination Alcohol/Drugs – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
- Criminal Mischief – Damage Property, Misdemeanor 2
- Disorderly Conduct Engage In Fighting, Misdemeanor 3
- Disorderly Conduct Obscene Language/Gestures, Misdemeanor 3
- Disorderly Conduct Hazardous/Physical Offense, Misdemeanor 3
- Harassment – Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
- Disregard Traffic Lane (Single), Summary
- Driving at Safe Speed, Summary
- Careless Driving, Summary
- Travel On Cultivated Land, Summary
- Failure Stop And Give Information, Render Aid, Summary
- Accident, Damage To Unattended Vehicle Or Property, Summary
- Failure To Notify Police Of Accident/Damage To Vehicle, Summary
- Restrictions on Alcoholic Beverages, Summary
- Failure to Use Safety Belt – Driver and Front Seat Occupant, Summary
According to a criminal complaint, a one-vehicle accident occurred around 2:56 a.m. on January 1, 2017, at 10453 Knoxdale Road, in Brookville, Knox Township, Jefferson County.
The complaint states that the vehicle was attempting to negotiate a left turn in the roadway when it continued to go straight into the yard of 10453 Knoxdale Road and then struck a utility pole. The vehicle came to a final rest about two feet north of the utility pole after it bounced off it.
Police say upon inspection of the vehicle, an open container of brandy was observed on the passenger’s side floor. There was also a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle had fled the scene on foot into the woods.
A brief search was conducted, and the driver was located walking approximately one half mile north of Knoxdale Road. He was identified as Timothy Duane Kessler, of Punxsutawney, the complaint indicates.
According to the complaint, “Kessler was visibly intoxicated. An overpowering odor of an alcoholic beverage and marijuana was emanating from his person. He was disgruntled, his eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and his speech was incoherent.”
Kessler’s blood was drawn at Penn Highlands DuBois. During the course of his treatment at Penn Highlands, he allegedly became aggressive toward the ER staff. At one point “he grabbed the arm of a female staff” and allegedly made inappropriate comments to her, the complaint continues.
The complaint states that lab reports on the blood draw were obtained, and the following results were revealed:
– Blood Alcohol Content – over 0.161%;
– A positive presence of marijuana; and
– A presence of amphetamine.
Kessler is currently free on $20,000.00 unsecured bail.
His case is working its way through the court system.
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