A Coaldale man was arrested by Tamaqua Police after a drunken driving incident that eventually included personnel from four local police departments. Patrolman Peter Wysochansky was on patrol at 2:29 a.m. on March 17 when he observed a white color sedan being operated in an erratic manner. The officer followed the car east on Broad Street (US209) and activated the unmarked cruiser's lights and sirens after the vehicle crossed into the west bound lane several times.

When the driver failed to stop, continuing toward Coaldale, Coaldale Patrolman Charles Blesse unsuccessfully attempted to stop the vehicle. Through the cooperation of the Schuylkill and Carbon County Comunications Centers, Lansford and Summit Hill Police combined efforts to institute a roadblock at the intersection of Patterson and Center Streets in Lansford.The driver, identified as Shawn Richard Pettis, 47, of 26 E. FosterAve., Coaldale, refused to open the car window or door which led officers to smash a passenger side window to gain access. Pettis then had to be pulled from the car, reeking of alcohol. He admitted to drinking and agreed to a blood test.Following the blood draw, he was arraigned before duty District Judge David Platchko, who set bail at $10,000 unsecured.