Stanley P. Brozana Jr., 72 – Served 37 Years as Orwigsburg Police Chief
Blake Kurten says he was on his way home after a long day of work – and a bit of grocery shopping – when he was nearly shot in a road rage incident on Route 61 back in November.
Kurten, 30, was the only person to testify at a preliminary hearing for Eric Kohl Tuesday in the court of District Magistrate Judge AJ Serina in Orwigsburg. Kohl, 29, of Orwigsburg, is charged with attempted homicide and other charges related to that alleged Nov. 19, 2024, road rage incident on the highway.
While being questioned by Assistant District Attorney Michael Stine, Kurten said he dove behind his vehicle as Kohl fired shots from a handgun during the incident. Kurten testified that the last thing he saw were flashes from Kohl’s gun before hitting the ground. He then heard squealing tires as Kohl allegedly sped away from the scene.
Kurten said he was driving the 55 mph speed limit in the passing lane of Route 61 north just before Deer Lake that night last year. Suddenly, he said, headlights came up from behind him. They were reportedly from a pickup truck driven by Kohl. Kurten said Kohl moved into the driving lane and passed him before cutting him off in the passing lane and then giving him a brake check, coming to a stop before starting forward again.
Kurten testified that he tried to pass Kohl to get away but Kohl attempted to swerve his vehicle into his. At some point during the incident, Kurten admitted to briefly turning on his off-road “ditch lights” to put a spotlight on Kohl.
As this altercation continued north, Kurten said Kohl briefly opened his door and started to get out. Kurten said he tried to use the opportunity to speed away but Kohl quickly got back in his vehicle and they again continued north on the highway.
During cross-examination by Kohl’s attorney, Douglas Taglieri, Kurten admitted to driving at Kohl.
“I saw an opportunity to speed away and get away,” Kurten said.
Eventually, the two drivers approached Route 61’s intersection with Municipal Rd. where Kurten said the incident escalated. Both drivers got out of their vehicles. Kurten told Taglieri admitted during cross-examination that he “advanced” on Kohl. He believed they were going to engage in a verbal confrontation and got within “arguing distance” of Kohl.
As he moved in front of the driver’s side headlight of his vehicle, Kurten testified that he saw Kohl reach toward his hip and pull out a handgun.
“The next thing I know, he’s pulling out a firearm and shooting at me,” Kurten said under oath.
Kurten said he saw two flashes from Kohl’s gun and dove behind his vehicle. In total, Kurten said he heard six gunshots. Two bullet holes were found in the passenger side quarter panel on Kurten’s vehicle, he said.
As he heard what he believed was Kohl’ speeding away, Kurten said he tried to get away from the scene but said his vehicle went into a “limp mode” and barely moved. At that point is when Kurten said he called 9-1-1.
Taglieri tried get Serina to dismiss the attempted homicide and assault charges, claiming that Kohl was acting in self-defense. The attorney said the prosecution doesn’t have evidence – based on what was presented on Tuesday in court – to make a case of attempted homicide.
Serina did not agree to drop any charges against Kohl and moved the case to Schuylkill County Court for trial. The judge told Taglieri that he could argue his self-defense claim before a jury there.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Orwigsburg Man Charged with Attempted Homicide for Allegedly Firing Shots at Victim in Route 61 Road Rage Incident
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