A Tamaqua driver is facing a charge of driving under the influence and related counts after his vehicle crashed into a utility pole. He then fled the scene but was found a short time later asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle.

State police at Frackville said the incident occurred on Thursday about 2:51 a.m. along Catawissa Road, in Walker Township. Troopers said Andrew J. Allesch, 27, was driving a 1995 Chevrolet C1500 truck northbound when he lost control with the truck going onto the west berm and striking the utility pole. Allesch then drove off and was located on Valley Road with his truck partially on the road with the engine running and still in drive. Allesch was asleep in the driver’s seat, troopers said.

He was taken into custody and transported to the Lehigh Valley Hospital South, Pottsville, for a blood test. Troopers said the DUI charge is pending the blood test results.

The truck sustained minor front end damage. Allesch was not injured, troopers noted.