Nov 4, 2014 2 min read

A former Chartiers Township man was arraigned Monday in connection with a Sept. 30 crash in which he and two of his three passengers were injured during what he allegedly called a “booze cruise.”

Blaze Robert Jackson, 21, formerly of 21 Shotgun Lane but now living in Munhall, is charged with driving under influence of alcohol and a controlled substance, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, careless driving, failure to drive at a safe speed, failure to render aid, leaving the scene of a crash, furnishing alcohol to minors and failure to notify police.

The initial call to police was for a report of a tree down on Meddings Road about a quarter-mile from Western Avenue (Route 519).

After officers arrived, a wrecked vehicle was found on its roof about 150 feet from the road in some weeds. The registration came back to Jackson.

Police also found multiple empty bottles of beer.

Police went to Jackson’s home and found him at the residence.

Police said he appeared to be intoxicated.

Jackson was returned to the scene and treated by emergency medical personnel before he was taken to Canonsburg Hospital for treatment and so that blood could be drawn to determine his level of intoxication.

Jackson admitted to police he smoked marijuana before the crash and he recently turned 21 and bought some beer to “booze cruise,” police stated in court documents.

Police said they also found syringes in the vehicle, and Jackson told officers they belonged to a friend who is diabetic.

He also allegedly told police he was the only one in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Three days after the crash, police said they received information three other people were in the car when it wrecked.

Police talked to Gary Wright and Corey Marie Mitchell, both 19 and from Houston. Wright had several injuries, including a broken or cracked vertebra in his neck, broken finger and lacerations. Mitchell suffered minor cuts and bruises.

The third passenger was identified as Darren Decker, 19, also of Houston.

Police said Decker admitted to “booze cruising” with Jackson, but that Wright and Mitchell denied drinking at the time of the crash. All three were cited for purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor.

Jackson was arraigned on the charges before District Judge David Mark and released. His preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 17 before Mark.