Vehicles on I-70 hit intentionally
A Connellsville man was arrested Saturday after state police said he intentionally hit vehicles on Interstate 70 west in Somerset Township when he reportedly became paranoid after smoking crack.
Sedrick M. Holman, 44, of 327 South A St., is charged with causing or risking a catastrophe, possession of crack and paraphernalia, driving under the influence of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of alcohol, and four counts each of reckless endangerment, careless driving, reckless driving and other traffic violations. A passenger, Ashley L. Dills, 36, also of Connellsville, will be charged with possession of heroin and paraphernalia.
Police received a call about 7:45 p.m. about an erratic driver near the Ginger Hill exit. Before police arrived, the vehicle struck two commercial vehicles and left the scene, going west at a high speed. Holman’s vehicle crashed into two passenger vehicles before wrecking on the north berm of the highway between the south junction with Interstate 79 and the Beau Street exit.
When police arrived, Holman was outside the vehicle without shoes. The shoes were found inside the vehicle and on a fence just outside the driver’s door.
Dills reportedly told police Holman was paranoid and intentionally trying to hit vehicles he believed were “trying to box him in.” She also told the trooper Holman was driving at a high speed and weaving in and out of traffic before crashing.
Holman was taken into custody and taken to Washington Hospital for treatment and to have blood drawn for toxicology tests. While at the hospital, Holman reportedly admitted to police he smoked crack before driving. He also allegedly admitted to intentionally hitting cars while “trying to get away from people who were trying to hurt him.”
Holman was arraigned before District Judge Joshua Kanalis and placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. He is scheduled for an April 5 preliminary hearing before District Judge Curtis Thompson. Charges against Dills will be filed at Thompson’s office.