A Lebanon man is facing DUI-related charges after police say he caused a severe crash back in February that injured himself and two others, including a toddler.
Police say the driver that caused the crash – identified as William Beamesderfer, 54, of Lebanon – then ignored officers’ commands to stop rummaging through his burning vehicle before rolling on the ground and reciting random numbers.
The crash occurred back on Feb. 16, shortly before 3 p.m. at the intersection of Rock and Bethel roads in Pine Grove Township.
According to court documents, emergency personnel arrived to find a white Chevrolet Tahoe – the second vehicle in the crash – with heavy damage and Beamesderfer’s vehicle actively on fire in the engine compartment.
Police say that upon arrival, they observed Beamesderfer “rummaging through the passenger side area” of his truck while it was burning, “seemingly oblivious to the potential danger.”
A fire extinguisher was used by police to douse the flames. The affidavit states that Beamesderfer had to be told several times to get away from the burning vehicle.
After the fire was extinguished, Beamesderfer allegedly confirmed he was the driver, then “dropped to his knees and began rolling around on the ground,” police say.
As police tried to render aid to Beamesderfer, they allegedly detected a strong odor of alcohol. Police say Beamesderfer appeared disheveled and spoke with thick, slurred speech.
When asked for his name, Beamesderfer provided it, but followed it with a series of random numbers.
Beamesderfer allegedly told police his brakes failed while coming down the incline on Route 501. While looking for insurance paperwork in the cabin, police say they found various cans, including empty alcoholic beverage containers, on the rear floor.
Police say Beamesderfer admitted to consuming “about three or four” alcoholic beverages that day. He also allegedly told police he takes approximately 30 pills throughout the days for various medical conditions.
The driver of the second vehicle reportedly told police he was traveling west on Route 895 when he saw a white truck blow through a stop sign, giving him no time to react. The impact was severe enough to move his Suburban off the road.
That driver and his 3-year-old female passenger were transported to Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of their injuries. The driver was later diagnosed with severe back injuries, police say.
Beamesderfer was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital after complaining of chest pain. A blood draw was performed at the hospital, nearly two hours after the crash was first reported.
Lab results received by police on Feb. 17 reportedly show Beamesderfer had a BAC of 0.04. The report also allegedly revealed the presence of Delta-9-THC and Delta-8-THC.
Beamesderfer has been charged by police with misdemeanor counts of DUI and reckless endangerment along with numerous summary traffic offenses.
A preliminary hearing at District Court in Tremont is scheduled for March 5.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...