A Schuylkill County driver is facing charges following a one vehicle crash that occurred about 11:57 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Brandon Hand, 29, of Tower City, was operating a 2008 Dodge Charger eastbound on Gold Mine Road, in Porter Township, when he fell asleep at the wheel. The car went onto the west berm and traveled about 15 feet before the right side impacted with a PPL utility pole. After impact the car turned clockwise about 145 degrees and came to rest in the eastbound lane facing southwest.The impact sheered off the pole with the upper portion coming to rest on the front bumper of the Charger. Hand then fled the scene and eventually walked to his home. He was later transported to the Schuylkill Medical Center-S. Jackson Street, Pottsville, for treatment of minor injuries.Troopers said an extensive search of the surrounding area was conducted for several hours in an attempt to locate Hand. After about three hours he returned to his home. The car was towed from the scene.