Plum man charged with DUI in Washington Township crash that seriously injured 1
A Plum man is accused by Washington Township police of driving drunk during a Nov. 22 crash that seriously injured another person.
Benjamin Joseph Rodgers, 29, was charged last week with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence and related offenses.
Police and paramedics were called to Route 286 near Pfeffer Road at 10:45 p.m. and found a woman trapped in an overturned SUV and a black Chevrolet Camaro with heavy damage. Rodgers, who police said was standing next to the car, told investigators that he “didn’t even see her coming,” according to court papers.
The crash happened as he attempted to make a left onto Route 286 from Pfeffer Road. Police said Rodgers had glassy, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. He told investigators he had a few drinks earlier, according to court papers. He was not hurt.
Rodgers’ blood-alcohol content was 0.198%, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08%, according to court papers. The woman was freed from the SUV and continues to deal with pain from injuries she sustained in the crash, police said. She wears a back brace every day and has a painful permanent shoulder injury.
The charges were sent to Rodgers by summons. A preliminary hearing is set for June 29. His attorney could not immediately be reached.
Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.
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