CLEARFIELD – Jared Chase Smith, 23, of Drifting has been charged by Trooper Matthew M. Peacock of the Clearfield-based state police with aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, a second-degree felony.
Smith has also been charged with two misdemeanor counts of DUI and four summaries. Bail has been set at $25,000 unsecured.
On Wednesday Smith waived his right to a preliminary hearing during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Peacock was dispatched to a reported single-vehicle crash at 1:27 a.m. Feb. 25 in the area of 4186 Morrisdale-Allport Hwy., in Morris Township.
Upon arrival, Peacock observed a red Suzuki Vitara on its roof in a wooded area over an embankment. He was advised by an emergency responder that two passengers were being taken by ambulance to the Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Peacock was also advised the driver was standing near the ambulances. He made contact with the male and was able to identify him as Smith from his driver’s license.
During an on-scene interview, Smith told the trooper the crash occurred because he was traveling “a little too fast” and he lost control of his vehicle. Peacock allegedly detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from Smith’s breath.
Smith – when asked – admitted that he’d consumed a couple beers earlier. Peacock administered field sobriety tests, during which Smith displayed signs of intoxication.
Smith was arrested for DUI and taken to the Clearfield barracks for a certified breath test. At the barracks, Trooper Michael Moskel administered the breath test and the results indicated Smith’s BAC was .096 percent.
Peacock later spoke with Smith’s two female passengers by phone as part of his investigation.
The first female said she’d suffered a fracture in her shoulder blade, and her arm was in a sling. Before the crash, she said she was yelling at Smith to slow down.
The second female said that she was still hospitalized with fractures to her leg and neck. On March 5, she faxed Peacock her medical records detailing her injuries.
