Charges of driving under the influence of alcohol are pending against Samantha Richardson, 21, of Tamaqua, who was involved in a one-vehicle accident July 27 at 10:35 p.m. on Old Route 209, about one-quarter mile east of the Village of Newkirk in Walker Township.

State police at the Frackville barracks said severe damages result to her 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including multiple airbag deployment.Police said she was not wearing a seatbelt and was westbound on the road when she failed to negotiate a right-hand curve. The vehicle left the south side of the roadway, continued west about 30 feet through a grass area and struck a tree with its left front end.Police said the driver backed the vehicle away from the tree and fled the scene. The Jeep continued west on the highway with the left front tire of the vehicle missing, leaving a gouge in the roadway. It proceeded west for about one-quarter mile where it was parked in front of 605 Old Route 209.Police said the operator failed to report the crash to police and received a ride to the St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale, from a friend. The extent of her injuries are unknown, police said.Upon investigating the crash, police said, Richardson appeared to be under the influence of a controller substance.The vehicle was towed from the scene by U.S. Towing, Tamaqua, prior to the arrival of police.The operator will receive numerous traffic citations as a result of the crash.