Former Chartiers man guilty in ‘booze cruise’
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A former Chartiers Township man pleaded guilty Thursday to his role in a Sept. 30, 2014, crash in which he and two of his three passengers were injured in what he called a “booze cruise.”
Blaze Robert Jackson, 22, formerly of 21 Shotgun Lane but now living in Munhall, pleaded guilty to simple assault and driving while under influence before visiting Judge William R. Nalitz. Jackson was originally charged with DUI, 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 remaining charges were dropped as a part of a plea agreement.
The crash occurred on Route 519 about a quarter-mile from Western Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a vehicle on its roof about 150 feet from the road in some weeds.
Empty beer bottles were found on scene.
Police located Jackson at his home and said he appeared intoxicated. Jackson 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 that he recently turned 21 and bought some beer to “booze cruise,” police stated in court documents.
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 that three other people were in the car when it crashed.
Police talked to Gary Wright and Corey Marie Mitchell, both from Houston. Wright had several injuries, including a cracked vertebra in his neck, broken finger and lacerations. Mitchell had minor cuts and bruises.
The third passenger was identified as Darren Decker, also of Houston. None of the passengers was present for Thursday’s hearing.
Police said Decker admitted to “booze cruising” with Jackson, but Wright and Mitchell denied drinking at the time of the crash. All three were cited for underage drinking.
Nalitz sentenced Jackson to 23 months of intermediate punishment, with 3 months in jail and 9 months on electronic home monitoring. He was also sentenced to 72 hours to 6 months in jail for the DUI charge. The two sentences will run concurrently. He will also be required to pay restitution.
Nalitz told Jackson this was his “lucky break,” and encouraged him to stay out of trouble. Jackson will begin his jail sentence Oct.5.