Police: Archbald woman stopped for DUI had 5-year-old daughter in vehicle

A 35-year-old Archbald woman — driving with her 5-year-old daughter in the vehicle — faces charges after police said her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit following a traffic stop Thursday.

While traveling on the 1100 block of Commerce Boulevard in Dickson City around 7:35 p.m., Patrolman Brandon Gromada observed a vehicle nearly sideswipe another car, according to a criminal complaint.

The suspect — identified as Amanda Burke — was driving a white Ford Bronco and crossed over the dashed white-line marker with both right tires before abruptly swerving back into her lane, police said.

Gromada activated his vehicle’s in-car front camera to begin recording the Bronco and witnessed the SUV fail to signal a lane change and turn east onto Business Route 6 at Commerce Boulevard.

When Gromada tried to get behind the SUV, he said the vehicle crossed into the center left-turn lane with both left tires before again abruptly swerving back into the correct lane.

The vehicle almost sideswiped another one before nearly rear-ending a vehicle that was stopped at a traffic light at Business Route 6 and Scott Road, according to the criminal complaint.

After Gromada activated his vehicle’s overhead lights to initiate a traffic stop, Burke headed for the parking lot at Days Inn but misjudged the turn and ran over the curb.

During the stop, Gromada detected a moderate odor of alcohol coming from Burke’s vehicle, and she had a delayed response when asked to provide her driver’s license, registration and vehicle insurance, according to the criminal complaint. The officer also observed Burke to have glassy eyes.

Burke initially denied drinking any alcohol but later admitted to having a margarita with dinner, police said.

When Burke exited the SUV, she began swaying and fell into the vehicle after stumbling, according to the criminal complaint.

Burke also started swaying during a field sobriety test, and Gromada noted she lost balance several times and didn’t agree to complete the test.

Burke voluntarily provided a breath sample, which registered as 0.211. The legal limit in Pennsylvania is 0.08.

Police charged Burke, 119 First St., with endangering the welfare of children and DUI.

Burke was released on $20,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 11 a.m.