South Strabane police charge two in one vehicle with drunken driving
South Strabane Township police charged two occupants of one vehicle with drunken driving after both allegedly ended up behind the wheel during a traffic stop early Sunday.
James Lee Pitcock, 52, of 315 Third St., Washington, and Starrla R. Murphy, 45, of 90 Barnickel St., Meadow Lands, were taken into custody after being stopped just after 2 a.m.
Sgt. Michael Manfredi and Officer Ryan Hoffman were going north on Route 19 when they noticed a van on Trinity Point Drive fail to stop at the marked stop line at Route 19.
When the light turned green, the van continued onto the Strabane Square trafficway, making a lane change without using a signal, according to police.
The officers stopped the vehicle as it approached Berry Road. Police said there was a strong odor of alcohol inside the vehicle.
The officers said they also saw cans of beer throughout the vehicle and an open case of the same brand on the passenger side floor.
Pitcock, the driver, was asked to get out of the van. Police said he had difficulty standing and was assisted to the push bumper of the police cruiser.
After a few minutes, the van started moving back toward Pitcock. The officers rushed to the vehicle and said they found Murphy in the driver’s seat with the van in gear.
Police said Murphy had difficulty getting the van back in park and was crying and saying she just wanted to go home.
She also was removed from the vehicle and had difficulty standing, according to police.
Both were taken to the Washington police station for blood-alcohol tests.
Pitcock would not submit to the test, allegedly telling police he refused to let the law take his blood.
Police said Murphy’s blood-alcohol content was 2 ½ times the limit at which intoxication is presumed.
Both are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and having an open container of alcohol.
Pitcock also is charged with failing to stop at the stop line, failing to use a turn signal and driving with a suspended license-DUI-related.
A preliminary hearing for the pair will be scheduled before District Judge Jay Weller.