Police: Hempfield man was drunk in head-on crash that seriously injured driver

A Hempfield man was drunk when he crossed into oncoming traffic, slamming head-on into another vehicle and seriously injuring its driver, according to state police.

Troopers said 65-year-old Joseph J. Forbes had a blood-alcohol content of 0.216%. The legal limit to drive in Pennsylvania is 0.08%. He is charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence and related offenses.

Investigators were called to Mt. Pleasant Road in Hempfield at 10:30 p.m. Sept. 14 for a two-vehicle crash near the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg campus. A witness told troopers Forbes was following behind her closely as she was driving the 45 mph speed limit, according to court papers released Thursday.

Forbes attempted to pass her on a bend in the road and crashed into an oncoming vehicle, according to court papers.

“It looked like an explosion of cars,” the witness told troopers.

The driver of the other car had numerous broken bones, including to his leg and three ribs, as well as a liver laceration. Troopers said he had a metal rod implanted in his leg.

Emergency responders said Forbes smelled of alcohol at the scene and was uncooperative with paramedics. He was taken to AHN Forbes Hospital in Monroeville for treatment.

The charges were sent by summons. A preliminary hearing is set for March 10. Forbes’ attorney could not be reached.