BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A driver is facing DUI charges after a blood test revealed the presence of methamphetamine and THC during a fiery, two-vehicle crash that injured two people in Bethlehem.
Ezra Duke Wright, 27, was charged Friday with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, driving under the influence of controlled substances, five counts of recklessly endangering another person, and various traffic-related offenses, according to the Northampton County District Attorney.
On May 14, at approximately 12:26 pm, the City of Bethlehem Police Department responded to a motor vehicle accident with injuries at the intersection of New Street and Elizabeth Avenue in Bethlehem, according to officials.
Upon arrival, officers observed a Kia, operated by Wright, on fire, multiple utility poles downed, and two occupants of the second vehicle, a Honda, entrapped within their vehicle, court paperwork says.
Wright and the two occupants from the Honda were extricated from their vehicles and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
During this time, officers located approximately 3.5 grams of marijuana on Wright, as well as drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle, according to investigators.
Police obtained a search warrant to collect and test Wright’s blood.
During the investigation, officers obtained multiple video recordings from various angles, capturing the moments leading up to the crash at New Street and Elizabeth Avenue.
The footage shows Wright passing other vehicles by driving through grass on the roadside, entering the oncoming traffic lane at high speed, narrowly avoiding collisions, and proceeding through a red traffic signal, the DA’s office said.
Moments before this incident, Wright’s vehicle was also involved in a hit-and-run on Route 378 in Northampton County, where he maneuvered between two vehicles, striking one and causing damage, according to officials.
On Friday, police received the results of Wright’s blood test, which indicated the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and THC at the time of the crash, according to the DA.