Unity driver accused of DUI, fleeing state police early New Year's Day

State police arrested a 29-year-old man who they said fled a traffic stop and led troopers on a 4-mile chase through Unity early Friday.

Mark D. Marcinik of Hostetter was released on $10,000 recognizance bond after being arraigned before District Judge Charles R. Conway on charges of careless driving, driving at an unsafe speed, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to stop at a stop sign, fleeing and eluding, making illegal turns and illegally passing another vehicle in the wrong lane.

Trooper Kalin Gerhard reported in court documents he and another trooper were on patrol in the township when they saw Marcinik’s silver 2013 Nissan sedan speeding near Sessi Road. Marcinik quickly turned onto Onega Road without signaling or stopping at a stop sign, Gerhard said.

The troopers attempted to catch up to Marcinik, who was driving 50 mph in a 35 mph zone on the rural road, but were unable to catch him, Gerhard reported.

According to police, Marcinik turned abruptly, again without signaling, onto Haines Road, passed a vehicle by traveling in the wrong lane and then turned onto Airport Road near Arnold Palmer Regional Airport.

Police allege in court documents Marcinik turned onto Route 981, ignoring a stop sign, then turned onto Henry Road and Bell Church Memorial Road before pulling over.

Marcinik failed two field sobriety tests at the scene, Gerhard reported. A breath test indicated his blood-alcohol content was 0.136%. An adult driver is considered intoxicated in Pennsylvania at 0.08%.

Gerhard said Marcinik told troopers he had a beer at a friend’s house.