State police: Patrols nabbed more drivers impaired by drugs than alcohol

State police arrested 52 people for drunken or drugged driving and confiscated about $17,000 in cash during patrols last weekend in Armstrong, Butler and Beaver counties, according to a report.

Police said one driver led them on a chase early Saturday before he was stopped near Rural Valley in Armstrong County.

Brandon Lee Wilson, 40, of Templeton, is accused of speeding and swerving between lanes. When he didn’t pull over, a trooper said he used a maneuver to turn Wilson’s SUV sideways and stop it.

A criminal complaint said Wilson had a blood-alcohol content of 0.27%, or more than three times the legal limit.

In addition to drunken driving, Wilson is accused of driving while his license was suspended for a previous DUI. Police said he has had two drunken-driving arrests within the past 10 years.

State police Lt. Joseph Glover said more than half of those arrested were accused of drugged driving, while 45% were accused of drunken driving. Some were under the influence of both drugs and alcohol, he said.

In one case, a driver was wanted on outstanding arrest warrants. When a police dog searched his vehicle, troopers said they found marijuana and $11,000 in cash.

Police said they found $6,000 in cash on another driver.

The money was confiscated.