A man was under the influence of methamphetamine and other drugs when he caused a violent Bethlehem crash that injured two other people, authorities say.
Ezra Duke Wright, 27, faces multiple charges in the May 14 crash at Elizabeth Avenue and North New Street. Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Barratta announced the charges Friday evening in a news release.
Blood tests revealed Wright had methamphetamine, amphetamine and THC in his system at the time of the crash, Barratta said.
Wright was driving a Kia when he crashed into a Honda with two occupants, authorities said. Wright’s vehicle caught fire, and he had to be freed from the wreckage. The crash severed a utility pole, causing live wires to fall on the road.
Police found 3.5 grams of marijuana on Wright, as well as drug paraphernalia inside his car. They obtained a search warrant for a blood test, the results of which came back Friday, according to Barratta.
Authorities obtained multiple videos, some of which were widely circulated on social media, showing Wright driving erratically in the minutes leading up to the crash. At least one video showed Wright driving in oncoming traffic lanes and blowing through a red light on Schoenersville Road, which later turns into Elizabeth Avenue, Barratta said.
Video footage also showed him passing vehicles by driving through grass on the side of a road. Before the crash on Elizabeth Avenue, he was also involved in a hit-and-run on Route 378, where he maneuvered between two vehicles, hitting one of them, according to Barratta.
Wright was charged with two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, driving under the influence of controlled substances, five counts of reckless endangerment and various traffic-related offenses.