Man under the influence runs into Pennsylvania Turnpike traffic, causes Lancaster County crash, police say
EAST COCALICO TOWNSHIP, Pa. —
A Lancaster County man was arrested after Pennsylvania State Police said he ran onto the turnpike, causing a two-vehicle crash that injured two drivers.
The incident happened in the eastbound lanes on I-76, east of the Reading Interchange, in East Cocalico Township around 9:27 a.m. on Thursday.
Man runs into turnpike traffic, police say
According to state police, Andrew Riehl, 24, of Ephrata, was running west in the eastbound lanes when a driver abruptly stopped to avoid hitting him. Investigators said a second vehicle then struck the first vehicle from behind.
One driver suffered a broken leg, while the other suffered a broken finger, according to troopers.
Suspect found hiding in marsh
After the crash, witnesses reported seeing Riehl run into a wooded area near the turnpike, according to police. Troopers from the Bowmansville station and several municipal police officers searched for him.
Police said they found Riehl hiding in a marsh between the turnpike and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Under the influence of narcotics, police say
According to investigators, Riehl appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. Police said he could not remember how he got to that location.
Riehl was transported to WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital to be evaluated, according to officials.
Police said charges were filed for recklessly endangering another person and public drunkenness.
Traffic restrictions
The incident caused significant delays and temporarily shut down I-76 eastbound while crews responded to the crash and searched for the suspect.
Police said the eastbound lanes reopened once it was safe to do so.
Stay with WGAL for updates as we learn more.
This content is imported from infogram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
See news happening? Send us your photos or videos if it’s safe to do so at https://www.wgal.com/upload.