A Freeland man has been charged in a June crash on Route 443 near the Carbon Plaza Mall.

On June 15, at 7:34 a.m., police investigated a two-vehicle crash on Route 443 at the Carbon Plaza Mall traffic light.A westbound Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Gerald Phillips, 54, struck a Ford Ranger driven by Guy Christman of Jim Thorpe that was crossing the intersection.According to police reports, the front of the Hyundai had extensive damage, and multiple airbags had deployed.When asked by police if he knew the date, Phillips said that he did not.He explained that he was not currently working due to an injury, pointing out a bandaged left forearm.Phillips said that as he was traveling west on Route 443 and entering the intersection, a red truck came into his path. No braking or skid marks were found at the scene of impact.The responding officer noted that Phillips' eyes appeared glassy, and his pupils were constricted.The officer then examined the Ford, which had heavy damage to the driver's side rear. The bed of the truck was twisted away from the cab, and the rear wheel had been sheered off at the axle. It was located on the roadway behind the Hyundai.Christman said that he had the green light, and was proceeding through the intersection when he was hit on the driver's side by the Hyundai.A witness confirmed that Christman did have the green light, and that the Hyundai had run the westbound red light.While controlling traffic at the scene, a female driving a Jeep stopped to inform police that she had seen the Hyundai passing vehicles on the left and right side while traveling westbound at a high speed.Lehighton ambulance workers informed police that Phillips was very anxious and jerky.Both drivers were transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries.Christman was initially taken to Gnaden Huetten Hospital, and later transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital for further treatment.Reports show that Christman experienced left traumatic pneumothorax, acute cervical strain, essential hypertension, and a contusion to the left chest.Phillips voluntarily submitted a blood sample for testing, which showed the presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine.He also had identified GEICO as his insurance company, yet a call to GEICO did not verify any coverage.Phillips has been charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence (felony); driving under the influence of controlled substance (2 counts misdemeanor); reckless driving (summary); and traffic control signals (summary).Phillips was arraigned on July 12, and released on $50,000 unsecured bail.A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 9.