Preliminary Hearing Scheduled for DuBois Man Charged with Drug Possession, DUI

SYKESVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – A DuBois man is facing drug and related charges following an investigation of a crash that occurred in Sykesville Borough earlier this year.

Court documents indicate the DuBois-based State Police filed criminal charges against 21-year-old Aaron Michael Shaffer, of DuBois.

According to a criminal complaint, around 2:45 a.m. on February 5, Trooper Mitchell was dispatched to a one-vehicle crash located on West Main Street in Sykesville Borough.

Trooper Mitchell arrived at the crash scene around 2:58 a.m. and observed a black 2001 Toyota Corolla that had driven off the roadway and into a ditch. Upon contact with the driver, Trooper Mitchell identified himself and asked the driver, identified as Aaron Michael Shaffer, for his license, registration, and proof of insurance. Shaffer provided his license and proof of insurance, but not his registration.

In the complaint, Trooper Mitchell noted that Shaffer’s eyes were bloodshot and glassy. Shaffer was asked if he had been drinking, and Shaffer said he “had a few earlier” that night. Shaffer was asked if he had taken anything illegal that night, and Shaffer replied that he had smoked marijuana.

At that time, Trooper Mitchell asked Shaffer to do a field sobriety test, and Shaffer agreed.

According to the complaint, the tests showed signs of impairment.

The complaint states that Trooper Mitchell looked through the rear driver’s side window of the vehicle and immediately observed a green rubber water bong on the floor behind the front seats.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, and the water bong was recovered. During the search, Trooper Mitchell noted the distinct odor of raw marijuana and eventually found a plastic bag containing marijuana under the front passenger seat and another plastic bag containing marijuana in the glove box along with a multi-colored glass smoking bowl.

According to the complaint, Shaffer said the items all belonged to him.

Shaffer was then placed under arrest for DUI and drug offenses. He was transported to Penn Highlands DuBois for a legal blood draw.

The suspected marijuana was tested using a NIKE test kit with positive results.

Laboratory testing on Shaffer’s blood confirmed Shaffer’s BAC was .095%, and his blood also contained 15 ng/ml of MDMA; 110 ng/ml of Benzoylecgonine; 11 ng/ml of Delta-9 THC; 3 ng/ml of 11-Hydroxy Delta-9 THC; and 100 ng/ml of Delta-9 Carboxy THC, which are all over the reportable limits.

Based on the investigation, the following charges were filed on Monday, April 9, in Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana’s office:

– Marijuana-Small Amount Personal Use, Misdemeanor (two counts)
– Use/Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor (four counts)
– Manufacture Etc Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor
– DUI: General Impairment (BAC .08 – .10) 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
– DUI: Controlled Substance – Schedule 1 – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
– DUI: Controlled Substance – Metabolite – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
– DUI: Controlled Substance – Combination Alcohol/Drugs – 1st Offense, Misdemeanor
– Failure To Carry Registration, Summary
– Disregard Traffic Lane (Single), Summary
– Driving at Safe Speed, Summary
– Careless Driving, Summary
– Failure to use safety belt – driver and front seat occupant, Summary

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 24, with Judge Inzana presiding.

Shaffer was issued a certified summons on April 11.


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